Why Was My Electrical Service Turned Off?
Your electrical service was temporarily disconnected because BWP crews identified damaged equipment or another unsafe condition that posed a potential safety risk. We understand this is inconvenient, and we apologize for the disruption. In some cases, if the condition allowed, crews may have temporarily made the equipment safe or left partial power on until permanent repairs can be completed.
However, if the required repairs are not completed within the timeframe provided in your notice, your electrical service will be disconnected. Please refer to the notice left at your property for information about your specific situation, as additional site-specific conditions or requirements may apply.
Why Your Electrical Service Was Turned Off
BURBANK, CA — Today, The Honorable Catherine (Katie) Jereza, Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity, joined Burbank Water and Power (BWP) CEO/General Manager Mandip Samra, and California Energy Commission Supervisor Alex Kovalick, for a live grid modernization demonstration, showcasing how targeted federal investment is making American energy more reliable and affordable for communities across the nation, and laying the groundwork to power the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The event, held at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank, California, featured an active line-replacement demonstration of BWP's 4 kV (kilovolt, 1000 volts) to 12 kV distribution system upgrade, a 10-year grid modernization initiative backed by $5.1 million in federal funding. The conversion expands grid capacity, reduces outages, and positions Burbank to meet an increase in electricity demand over the next decade.
WHAT THIS INVESTMENT DELIVERS FOR BURBANK
Burbank Water and Power serves more than 54,000 electric customers and 27,000 water customers across a 17-square-mile service area in the heart of the "Media Capital of the World", a community of 104,000 residents, with an additional 146,000 people arriving daily to studios and companies including Warner Bros., The Walt Disney Company, and Nickelodeon. Keeping that community powered reliably, affordably, and with capacity to grow is the mission driving today's investment.
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Expanded grid capacity: Converting from 4 kV to 12 kV infrastructure allows significantly higher power throughput through existing corridors, increases system efficiency, eliminating the bottlenecks that cause outages during peak demand.
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Award-winning reliability: BWP is a nationally designated R3 utility by the American Public Power Association, placing it in the top 5 percent of utilities in the country across reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement, including a 99.997 percent electric reliability rate.
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Baseload power: BWP's Magnolia Power Project, a 323 MW combined-cycle natural gas plant, received $49 million in state funding for critical upgrades, adding 50 MW of peak capacity and ensuring reliable local generation for Burbank and five other Southern California utilities.
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Workforce investment: BWP's apprenticeship and journeyman training program is developing the next generation of skilled American energy workers, line crews who will maintain and modernize the grid for decades to come.
"Public power at its best is exactly what you see happening here today, a federal investment working its way into the community, literally, improving the lives of the people we serve. We are building it, street by street, with the support of our federal and state partners," said Mandip Samra, CEO/General Manager, Burbank Water and Power.
POWERING THE 2028 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
The stakes of today's work extend well beyond Burbank's neighborhoods. Warner Bros. Studios' The Ranch Lot, has been selected by the International Olympic Committee to serve as the International Broadcast Center for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The facility will function as the global headquarters for international media rights holders, bringing the Games to billions of viewers worldwide. The energy and water infrastructure that will power that operation runs through BWP's grid, the same grid being modernized today.
“America’s energy strength is built community by community, and Burbank is putting that principle into action. This $5.1 million federal investment is expanding grid capacity, strengthening reliability, and preparing the electric system to meet growing demand. From powering the everyday lives of families and businesses to helping bring the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games to billions of viewers worldwide, this project demonstrates how strategic grid investments deliver results far beyond the wires - strengthening our communities and America’s ability to compete on the world stage,” said the Honorable Catherine (Katie) Jereza, Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity
We're Here to Help You Restore Your Service
Please Follow These Steps to Help Restore Your Service:
When our field crews identify an issue, they notify our Electric Service Planning team, who will visit the property, inspect the condition, and provide a meter spot that outlines the work required for a main electrical panel replacement.
If you have questions about the issue or need assistance, our Electric Service Planning team is here to help. Residential customers can contact ERES@burbankca.gov or (818) 238-3647, and Commercial customers can contact ECOM@burbankca.gov or (818) 238-3565.
You can also find additional information on our Electric Service Planning page, including our Frequently Asked Questions and electrical service specifications webpages to help guide you through the process.
After you receive your meter spot from Electric Service Planning, you will need to obtain an electrical permit from the City of Burbank Building and Safety Division before work can begin.
For assistance, contact Building and Safety at (818) 238-5220 or building@burbankca.gov, or visit the Community Services Building, First Floor, 150 N. Third Street, Burbank, CA 91502. You can also visit the Building and Safety website for permit information and application requirements.
Once you have received your permit and paid all required fees, your licensed electrician may begin the necessary work.
We understand that an unsafe electrical condition with your electric service was likely unexpected. If you are concerned about the costs to replace your panel, BWP may be able to offer a payment arrangement for eligible BWP-related fees. Please contact your Electric Service Planner to discuss available options.
If you're unable to complete your electrical panel replacement by the required deadline, contact your Electric Service Planner as soon as possible to discuss your options.
While repairing a damaged component may be possible in some limited situations, older electrical panels are often difficult to repair in a way that meets current electrical codes. Panelboards may not be refurbished and any panel damage including arcing, fire, corrosion, physical damage, missing labels and listings, compliance with current metering requirements, or the availability of new manufacturer approved and listed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts will prevent a repair from being approved.
For this reason, BWP recommends full replacement as the quickest and safest way to getting power turned back on. Building and Safety is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) who makes the final determination and will need to provide the release that it is safe to energize. BWP requires that metering equipment comply with the Rules and Regulations, including access and Electric Utility Service Equipment Requirements (EUSERC).
If panel availability or other circumstances delay your project, you may be eligible for temporary power through a customer-provided temporary power pole. This option requires a separate permit and meter spot but can provide electrical service for up to one year while permanent corrective work is completed.
After the work is completed, the City of Burbank Building and Safety Division will inspect the installation. When Building and Safety issues a release confirming it is safe to re-energize the service, BWP will reconnect your electrical service.
This program is only available to Burbank water customers.
Forms will be available here or by calling BWP at (818) 238-3500.
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