Power from BWP
Electrician in Burbank: meter spot first, then the panel permit
Every Burbank address is on Burbank Water and Power, so SCE programs do not apply. A panel job starts with a BWP meter spot, and the panel upgrade can add to an EV charger rebate.
Electric utility
BWP
Burbank Water and Power (BWP)
City or district utility. SCE programs do not apply. Utility site
Permit office
City of Burbank Community Development, Building & Safety Division
(818) 238-5220 · Permit page · Online portal
Different from SCE: your meter and rebates come from BWP.
Burbank is served by Burbank Water and Power (BWP), not Southern California Edison. Service upgrades, meter work and rebates go through that utility, so SCE programs do not apply.
Permit fees in Burbank
City of Burbank Community Development, Building & Safety Division
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Electrical permit issuing fee Burbank FY 2026-27 Adopted Citywide Fee Schedule, Article VIII Section 1 (last updated 6/2/26, Resolution 26-29,706). | $77.52 per application |
| Electrical service, 600 volts or less, up to 1,000 amps Burbank FY 2026-27 Adopted Citywide Fee Schedule, Article VIII Section 1 (last updated 6/2/26, Resolution 26-29,706). | $216.15 each |
| Panelboard Burbank FY 2026-27 Adopted Citywide Fee Schedule, Article VIII Section 1 (last updated 6/2/26, Resolution 26-29,706). | $224.86 each |
| Electric vehicle charger, permit fee Burbank FY 2026-27 Adopted Citywide Fee Schedule, Article VIII Section 1 (last updated 6/2/26, Resolution 26-29,706). | $255.92 each |
| Electric vehicle charger, plan check fee Burbank FY 2026-27 Adopted Citywide Fee Schedule, Article VIII Section 1 (last updated 6/2/26, Resolution 26-29,706). | $287.78 each |
| Plan check, electrical (hourly, 1 hour minimum) Burbank FY 2026-27 Adopted Citywide Fee Schedule, Article VIII Section 1 (last updated 6/2/26, Resolution 26-29,706). | $213.98 per hour |
Taken from the city's fee page. Fees change, and other charges such as plan check can apply. Confirm at the permit counter. Compare permit fees across cities.
Turnaround. Tier 1 permits (no plan check) are available over the counter or online per BWP's permit process page. Counter walk-in hours listed there are 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
EV charger permits. Burbank uses a written EV charger permit checklist (2022 form on the city site): the checklist plus the permit application, a site plan for single-family installs other than on the interior garage wall, Planning Division sign-off, a BWP meter spot before submittal if a service upgrade is needed. An equipment disconnect for branch circuits of 60 A or more.
Inspections. Book inspections in the online portal at least one day ahead, then call (818) 238-5220 between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. on the day to confirm the time (BWP permit process page). Underground services need at least two separate inspections (BWP FAQ).
Rebates listed for Burbank
From BWP and the city
| Program | Amount |
|---|---|
 BWP Residential EV Charging Station Rebate BWP residential customers and tenants with owner permission; up to two chargers | Standard charger $200, smart charger $500; panel upgrade adds $750 (cannot be claimed alone), up to $1,250. Disadvantaged-community addresses: $300 standard, $600 smart, panel $900, up to $1,500. Requires proof of permit and passed inspection; processing 4 to 6 weeks |
Amounts as listed by each program, October 2026. Programs have limits and rules.
$2,500 to $4,500
A regional range from the sources on the cost page. Your electrician gives the actual quote after a look.
Get this quote
You deal with BWP, not SCE
Burbank Water and Power is the city-owned utility. SCE programs such as Charge Ready Home and SGIP do not apply here, and rates are BWP’s own. The comparison that matters for a homeowner is in the city utility rebates guide for Pasadena, Burbank and Glendale.
The practical effect is the order of steps. Pull the city permit first and you can end up redoing the plan, because the permit for a new panel waits on the BWP meter spot. Have the electrician book the meter spot before anything is filed. The panel upgrade timeline guide shows the same flow for other utilities, and the underground services common in newer streets need more than one inspection.
Why the panel rebate shapes the job
BWP pays toward the panel only when it is paired with a charger rebate, so the order you do things in matters. Install the charger and the panel as one permitted job, keep the finaled permit, and send it with the claim. If you only want a bigger panel, expect to pay for it yourself. For typical total costs, see the EV charger with panel upgrade cost page.
Permits and the EV shortcut
The EV charger shortcut in Burbank dates from October 2017. It asks for a checklist, a site plan unless the charger sits on the interior garage wall, Planning sign-off, a BWP meter spot if the service is changing, and a disconnect for branch circuits of 60 amps or more. The city has since moved much of its permitting online, so ask the counter whether the checklist has changed before you file. Inspections are booked in the online portal, and the city asks for a morning confirmation call on the day.
The city’s FY 2026-27 fee schedule lists a $77.52 electrical permit issuing fee, $216.15 for an electrical service up to 1,000 amps, $224.86 per panelboard, and $255.92 plus a $287.78 plan check fee for an EV charger. Plan check and inspection are added per item, so ask Building and Safety for the total before you budget. Electrical permits in Southern California explains what the fees usually cover.
Older houses and the north edge
Many older houses in the Burbank flats started with a small service, so a Level 2 charger or heat pump may be what triggers a bigger panel. Sixty-two percent of homes predate 1970 and 72 percent predate 1980, against a median build year of 1959. Half the homes are single-family. Look for old brands in Zinsco and Federal Pacific panels.
Summers are hot, so air conditioning load is real. BWP’s wildfire plan says the Verdugo Mountains on the north edge of town have burned several times. No power shutoff has been reported for Burbank, but read PSPS power shutoffs explained if you live along the hillside.
What the homes in Burbank look like
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey; QuickFacts for Burbank. Climate zone 9.
Working with BWP on a service change
Magnolia Blvd.).
BWP's Electric Service Planning FAQ: book a residential appointment for a 'meter spot' (allow up to 5 business days to receive it by email). The meter spot lists any Aid in Construction (AIC) charges, which BWP says are generally about $500 to $4,000 for typical small residential upgrades. 200 A single-meter residential services are currently exempt from capacity charges. After the city permit and payment of BWP fees, call (818) 238-3575 with the permit number to unlock the meter. BWP says services are generally connected within 10 business days after the building division's final inspection.
EV rate. BWP offers an optional Time of Use rate for residents who own an EV or plug-in hybrid and charge at home. It applies to all usage on the account, and BWP suggests charging between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. for the lowest cost.
Backup power for shutoff days
Shutoffs and fire weather in Burbank
Shutoff record: None on record
Burbank specifics
- BWP's electrification permit page describes a Tier 1 permit path with no plan check for rebate-eligible electrification work. A rule that the finaled permit documents must be sent with the rebate application. Source
Common electrical jobs in Burbank
Other cities close by
Questions about electrical work in Burbank
How long does a BWP meter spot take before I can pull a panel upgrade permit in Burbank?
BWP says to book a residential appointment and allow up to 5 business days to receive the meter spot by email. The permit for a panel upgrade comes after the meter spot. The meter spot also lists any Aid in Construction charges that BWP applies to the utility side of the job.
Do I pay BWP an Aid in Construction charge for a 200 amp upgrade in Burbank?
It depends on the meter spot. BWP says Aid in Construction is generally about $500 to $4,000 for small residential upgrades, and it is listed on the meter spot. BWP also says 200A single-meter residential services are currently exempt from capacity charges. Ask BWP Service Planning at (818) 238-3647.
Can I get Burbank's panel rebate without also installing an EV charger?
No. BWP says the $750 panel upgrade amount cannot be claimed alone. It is added to a charger rebate, which is $200 for a standard charger and $500 for a smart charger, so the most you can get is $1,250. Addresses in disadvantaged communities get higher amounts. You need proof of a permit and a passed inspection.
What is the Burbank Tier 1 permit, and does a heat pump qualify?
BWP describes a Tier 1 permit with no plan check for rebate-eligible electrification work. The BWP rebate list decides which appliances count, so ask BWP or the Building and Safety Division before you assume a heat pump or induction cooktop qualifies. Get the answer before you buy, because the finaled permit has to go in with the rebate application.
Do I call BWP to unlock my meter before the electrician starts a panel swap?
Yes, once the city permit is issued and BWP fees are paid. BWP asks you to call (818) 238-3575 with the permit number to unlock the meter. BWP says services are generally connected within 10 business days after the building division's final inspection.
Send a photo, get a range.
Share your ZIP and a photo of your panel. Your request goes to a licensed partner electrician, who contacts you.
Get this quoteAurion Electric is a referral service operated by Roviq LLC. Electrical work is done by a licensed partner electrician.
