AB 1026 – Speeding Up Utility Approvals

No more waiting in the dark—faster utility sign-offs for new housing

AB 1026 targets a common and frustrating bottleneck in residential construction: delays in utility approvals, especially from electric providers. Under this new law, utilities are now required to review and sign off on permits more quickly, helping move housing projects from planning to occupancy without unnecessary gridlock.

In many cases, builders finish construction only to wait weeks—or even months—for power hookups, stalling move-ins, rental income, and overall momentum. AB 1026 is a big step toward treating utilities as partners in solving the housing crisis, not obstacles.

What This Means for You

If you’re:

  • Building a custom home, ADU, or multifamily property,

  • Renovating a home that requires upgraded electrical service, or

  • Counting on a tight project timeline to manage costs or rental income,

AB 1026 helps keep things moving by requiring utilities to act within defined timeframes when processing and approving service connections.

Why this matters:

  • Reduces construction completion delays caused by utility backlogs,

  • Gets tenants or family members moved in sooner, minimizing lost rent or living expenses,

  • Improves budget predictability—no more unplanned months of holding costs,

  • Treats power, like permits, as a basic necessity to complete housing.

Still, navigating utility coordination requires planning, documentation, and follow-up—especially in dense or high-demand areas.

How New Avenue Homes Can Help

We know that delays in electrical service can derail an otherwise smooth project, which is why New Avenue proactively manages every step—including utility coordination.

Here’s how we keep your project powered up and on schedule:

  • Early coordination with utilities: We start the approval process early to avoid last-minute surprises.

  • Complete application packages: We submit accurate, fully documented plans that help avoid back-and-forth with utility reviewers.

  • Dedicated project management: We follow up on approvals, track response times, and push back if timelines are exceeded—so you don’t have to.

With AB 1026 and a knowledgeable team on your side, you can avoid costly downtime and make sure your project stays on track to completion and occupancy.

Ready to Build Without Utility Delays?

Schedule your free consultation today to learn how AB 1026 can help you avoid unnecessary hold-ups—and how New Avenue Homes can deliver your project on time, fully powered, and ready for move-in.

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AB 1308 – Faster Inspections, Private Options Allowed

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AB 660 – Faster Plan Reviews with Built-in Backup