Installing EV charging infrastructure may require upgrading electric service to your property. CPAU offers rebates through its Electric Service Connection Fee Incentive program.
If your EV charger permit application indicates that your project will require upgrades to the City’s electric service or transformer, CPAU Engineering will notify you of additional electric service fees beyond standard connection costs. In such cases, you will be required to pay a non-refundable Advance Engineering Fee to initiate the review and design process. Once the design is completed, CPAU Engineering will issue an invoice for the transformer installation, which must be paid before construction begins. Any additional costs incurred from an outside contractor that are necessary to install the transformer will also qualify for the incentive.
Incentive Details
- Single-family homes: Up to $10,000 per property.
- Multi-family properties: Up to $10,000 per port, with a maximum of $100,000 (10 ports). Eligible ports include make-ready infrastructure (Jbox), Level 1 (L1), or Level 2 (L2) outlets or charging stations.
New Construction or Major Remodel Projects
For non-single-family projects, EV charging ports or outlets installed beyond Palo Alto Building Code requirements may qualify for incentives. This option is available to multi-family properties. It is not available for new single-family homes. For details, see the Palo Alto Building Code(Municipal Code Section 16.14.420 and 16.14.430.)
Application Process
To apply, complete and submit the application form using the link below. Once received, CPAU will confirm your application. Approved projects must complete EV charger installation within 18 months, with extensions possible for projects demonstrating good faith efforts. Incentive funding is limited and subject to availability or program changes without notice. Please review the installation workflow prior to applying(PDF, 196KB).