Orinda · Moraga
Electrical Upgrades in Orinda & Moraga
Orinda's median home was built in 1960 and 95% of its homes are detached houses (Census), many on wooded hillside lots. Two things set it apart for electrical projects: Orinda is not an MCE community, and backup power comes up often.
What's different in Orinda and Moraga
- Energy provider: Orinda is PG&E bundled (not MCE), which changes which rebates apply. Moraga is MCE.
- Housing: Orinda's 1960 median build year and Moraga's 1972 mean original panels and aluminum-era wiring show up often (home rewiring).
- Permits: Moraga uses Contra Costa County for plan check and inspection; confirm the office for Orinda addresses with the City.
- Outages: PG&E can shut off power in dangerous fire weather. Check your address with PG&E rather than assuming; then decide between a generator or battery.
Before any upgrade, run the load calculation. PG&E's guide shows ways to electrify without a bigger panel.
Orinda questions
Is Orinda an MCE city?
No. Orinda is not an MCE member, so homes there are PG&E bundled customers and MCE's heat pump rebates don't apply. Moraga is an MCE community.
Who handles electrical permits in Orinda and Moraga?
Moraga uses Contra Costa County for plan check and inspection. For an Orinda address, confirm the permit office with the City before scheduling work; your electrician should know.
Should I get a generator in Orinda?
That depends on how often your circuit loses power and what you need running. PG&E's address lookup and your own outage history are better guides than a neighborhood's reputation. See generators and battery backup.
Sources
Next step
Get a quote in Orinda
Call to talk it through, or send the short form. A local electrician can follow up to look at your panel and service and give you a written quote.
Call (925) 722-6103Prefer to type? Use the form.