How Much Does Temporary Electrical Power Cost?

Temporary Power Pole & Service Cost Range

The cost range for having a temporary power pole installed and connected to the electrical grid is $1,200 – $2,850. The cost includes a permit and at least one inspection, the pole or post, meter box, two outlets and all the wiring and supplies required. The local power company will supply the meter and very likely its box.

If you buy the materials and hire an electrician to install temporary power, expect labor costs of around $475 to $800.

In some areas, the local power company will rent you the pole and equipment with a deposit. Additional fees cover the cost of installation and connection plus removal when the electrical is converted from temporary to permanent. You will need an electrical permit for sure and might also need to have your building permit in order to qualify for temporary electrical service. Costs for these services range from $375 to $550 including a refundable deposit if the pole is returned in good condition.

Average Cost Ranges

Overview of Temporary Electrical Power

Power is essential on a home construction site. While some builders work off of a generator during construction, having temporary power makes everything easier.

In most areas, the pole must be installed within 65 or 70 feet of the home site as shown on a site plan or land survey. A pole is set – a 6”x6” post can be used in many places too. The pole is typically 16’ or longer when overhead power is used. It is installed deep enough to keep it secure and might be braced too for stability.

Then the meter box and meter are set and wired, ready for connection to the wires on the nearest permanent electrical pole. Most setups are a minimum of 50 amps, though 100 or even 200-amp service is more comm. At least two outlets are included. While you can do much of the setup yourself, the power company will make the connection to the grid.

According to one home builder, energy companies will not provide temporary power unless a home foundation is in place. This demonstrates that the property owner is serious about building and buying electricity every month.

Temporary Power Pole Cost Factors

These factors will determine where on that cost spectrum your temporary construction power project will fall.

• The Cost of Permits – You’ll need an electrical permit and might also need an approved building permit. Costs vary depending on many local factors.
• Rent vs Buy – As noted, some energy companies offer temporary power pole and equipment rental that might save you money based on how long you rent it for. If its going to be more than 3-4 months, you’ll likely save by purchasing your own materials.
• Number of Poles – In most building locations, just one pole is required. If your building site is significantly far from permanent power lines and more poles are required, cost can rise significantly.
• Distance – The further the distance to the nearest permanent power, the higher the cost of materials and labor. Some energy companies cover the cost for the first 50 or 100 feet, and that might be sufficient if your building site is near the existing power lines.
• Whether a Transformer is Needed – If an existing transformer is available, cost will be lower than if one must be installed where your power line connects to the grid.
• 120 vs 240 Volts – Many temporary power setups are 110/120 volts. If you need 240 volts, an additional wire and breaker will be installed.
• Site Clearing – If trees must be trimmed or brush removed, cost will be higher.

Temporary Power Services and Costs

Temporary Power Services and Costs

Many of the supplies for temporary power are available at home improvement and hardware stores. Here are retail prices. Sample job estimates are below.

• $50 – $65 | 50-amp Temporary Power Panel
• $150 – $175 | 100-amp to 125-amp Temporary Power Panel with Two Outlets
• $60 – $120 | 6”x6” Treated Post, 12’ to 20’
• $175 – $525 | Telephone Pole 20-foot to 40-foot
• $650 – $850 | Transformer if needed
• $1.35 – $2.25 per Linear Foot | Triplex Overhead Wire

Common Temporary Power Estimates

Let’s put everything together to give you examples of the total job cost when you hire an electrical contractor for the work.

Easy: Building site easily accessible. No clearing required.

• Job #1: One post or pole, no transformer, 50-amp panel, under 100 feet from permanent power. $1,200 -$1,650
• Job #2: Two posts or poles, no transformer, 50-amp panel. Up to 200 feet to power. $1,450 – $1,975
• Job #3: One post or pole, transformer needed, 100-amp panel. Under 100 feet from permanent power. $1,650 – $2,100
• Job #4: Two posts or poles, transformer required, 100-amp panel. Up to 200 feet to power. $1,800 – $2,250

Average: Some clearing required. Ground might be sloped.

• Job #1: One post or pole, no transformer, 50-amp panel, under 100 feet from permanent power. $1,375 – $1,775
• Job #2: Two posts or poles, no transformer, 50-amp panel. Up to 200 feet to power. $1,675 – $2,125
• Job #3: One post or pole, transformer needed, 100-amp panel. Under 100 feet from permanent power. $1,900 – $2,250
• Job #4: Two posts or poles, transformer required, 100-amp panel. Up to 200 feet to power. $2,175 – $2,600

Difficult: Significant clearing required.

• Job #1: One post or pole, no transformer, 50-amp panel, under 100 feet from permanent power. $1,500-$1,950
• Job #2: Two posts or poles, no transformer, 50-amp panel. Up to 200 feet to power. $1,850 – $2,375
• Job #3: One post or pole, transformer needed, 100-amp panel. Under 100 feet from permanent power. $2,150 – $2,500
• Job #4: Two posts or poles, transformer required, 100-amp panel. Up to 200 feet to power. $2,375 – $2,850

Permits, Inspection, and Labor Costs

Permits and Inspection

• $225 – $600+ | You will definitely need an electrical permit and might also be required to have your building permit to have temporary power installed.

Labor Cost to Install Temporary Power

Electrical contractors and electricians charge $70 to $150 per hour based on where you live, their level of expertise and whether they have a “helper” on the job.

Time Required to Install a Temporary Power Pole and Panel

• 1-2 Hours | Digging a hole, setting a pole or post.
• 3-6 Hours | Assembling and installing a panel, wiring and outlets.

Related Electric or Home Building Projects

This is often a critical step in building a home. Once power is available, construction can move much more quickly.

---

DIY or Hire a Pro

If you’re handy and know what you’re doing, you can save a lot of the labor cost. Here’s a video of a homeowner installing temporary power. If it looks like you have the skills to do this, consider doing some or all the work yourself.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of what exactly is required in your city or county in terms of the amperage of the panel, pole installation location and guidelines, and a complete list of the equipment you need to install.

This will ensure it is done correctly and you won’t fail an inspection and have to re-do some or all of your work.