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
The San Diego County Water Authority and the City of Burbank have reached a new long‑term water supply agreement – the third regional partnership announced by the Water Authority in 2026. This is another win for innovative cooperation that shows the strategic importance of regional water planning in a rapidly changing climate.
The agreement allows Burbank to purchase up to 5,000 acre-feet annually through 2047 creating greater water supply reliability for the city in the face of growing water scarcity across the West. Meanwhile, San Diego County ratepayers will benefit from additional revenues to help offset the cost of supply reliability investments made over the past 30 years.
With a population of 104,000, Burbank is booming. It is billed as the “Media Capital of the World” with more than 1,000 entertainment companies and a century-long history of innovation in everything from aviation to animation – and now it’s on the cutting edge of water supply management.
Burbank has no naturally occurring water rights; the City is 100% dependent on water imported by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California that comes from outside the region via the State Water Project and the Colorado River Aqueduct. The increasingly variable frequency and intensity of precipitation due to climate change requires creative approaches to managing water supplies.
For San Diego County, the agreement is expected to generate $15 million in revenues during the first five years, helping reduce costs that would otherwise be borne by Water Authority and its member agencies. The agencies will share water using existing infrastructure, meaning that no new pipelines will be built – an approach that saves both time and money.
“For the third time this year, the Water Authority found a way to help partners in Southern California lock in the water reliability they’re looking for in a way that benefits working families across San Diego County,” said Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano. “This is another ‘win-win’ that shows the kind of innovative leadership we need to manage water in a way that positively impacts everyone.”
The Water Authority signed two water supply agreements in the spring with water agencies in Riverside County, followed by a Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government and other parties to explore transferring locally produced desalinated seawater to Colorado River Basin partners in other states.
The Water Authority’s ability to make deals like these is supported by the recently completed Urban Water Management Plan, which confirms that the San Diego region has sufficient water supplies to meet projected demands at least through 2050 under normal, single-dry year, and multiple-dry year conditions.
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.
Stay Connected
