Utilities Projects

City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) Infrastructure Projects

Utilities infrastructure projects in Palo Alto include electric, fiber optics, gas, wastewater, and water. Storm drain projects are managed by the City's Public Works Department.

Do you see steel plates on the streets? The steel plates are placed at the locations of excavation in accordance with safety regulations and in order to allow access to the underground infrastructure until the work is completely finished and excavation is backfilled. The plates on the streets are placed and maintained by either the Utilities department, contractors working for Utilities, or third-party developers.

Safety is a number one priority for CPAU!

View Utilities safety information.

Comments and questions are always welcome and we invite you to contact us at any time.

Major Projects FAQs

Colorado Distribution Feeder Outlets & Switch Replacement

This project is to redesign the feeder duct bank out of the 12kV substation and replaces aging electric cables and switches.

Crossbore Phase IV-A

This project will inspect 951 private and public sewer laterals throughout the City.

Fiber Telecommunications Shelter at Colorado Sub

This project will install a telecommunication shelter in front of the Colorado Substation at 1082 Colorado Avenue as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen local communications infrastructure and ensure reliable service for residents and businesses.

Foothills Fire Mitigation Project

To mitigate fire risk due to electric equipment, Palo Alto plans to relocate the overhead electric lines to underground on Arastradero Road, Page Mill Road, Montebello Road, and Foothills Nature Preserve.

Gas Main Replacement Project 25

The Natural Gas Main Replacement Project 25 will replace approximately 25,500 linear feet of natural gas mains and services with polyethylene (PE) pipe in neighborhoods of Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, Leland Manor neighborhood, and Midtown and Palo Verde neighborhood along Ross Road and crossing Matadero Creek and Barron Creek.

Gas Main Replacement Project 26

The Gas Main Replacement Project 26 will replace approximately 27,500 linear feet of existing natural gas mains and associated services with polyethylene (PE) pipe within the Fairmeadow, South of Midtown, Midtown, Evergreen Park, and Greenmeadow neighborhoods.

Grid Modernization for Electrification

Modernize Palo Alto's electric grid system and expand system capacity to support electrification.

Palo Alto Fiber

Expanding the City's current fiber backbone to provide high-speed, reliable fiber broadband internet service to all Palo Alto homes and businesses.

Underground District 26

This project will rebuild and replace deteriorated electrical cables, transformers, switches, and enclosures in the underground electric system in Underground District 26.

Utility Pole Inspections

Requirements for the inspection, testing, treatment, and reinforcing of wood utility poles within the City of Palo Alto Utilities’ service area.

Recently Completed Utility Projects

Gas Main Replacement 24 B: The Natural Gas Main Replacement Project 24 B replaced approximately 20,000 linear feet of natural gas mains and services with polyethylene (PE) pipe. Completed December 2025.

Water Main Replacement 29: Replacing asbestos cement and other aging pipelines with high density polyethylene mains. Completed August 2024.

Lead Service Line Inventory: The City created a lead service line inventory of all water service lines in the City's service area. Completed October 2024.