Contractor Disconnects
Reduce Wait Times on Residential Electric Service Rebuilds
Austin Energy is implementing the Contractor Disconnect program to reduce wait times for certain types of residential projects.
This program enables participating electrical contractors to complete all phases of electrical residential service rebuilds — specifically disconnects and reconnects — that would otherwise need to be performed by Austin Energy.
Overview
The Contractor Disconnect Program (CDP) allows up to 12 outages per week. These outages are performed on Wednesdays for work performed on single phase residential services up to 350 amps. Electrical contractors who participate in this program will be allowed to cut Austin Energy seals and supply conductors to perform:
Overhead Services
- Upgrade and reconnect electric service, using Austin Energy approved splices
- Install transfer switches
- Change out main panel
- Replace load side conductors
Underground Services
- Replace load side conductors in the meter can
- Upgrade main panel
- Install transfer switches
The project will not meet program requirements if the Austin Energy service drop conductors (line side) require extension for either type of service or if the meter can needs to be replaced.
Socket Mounted Transfer Switches are not installed under the Contractor Disconnect Program. Please refer to the Socket-Mounted Transfer Switch Devices page.
How to Participate
- Registration is open from May 1st to June 22nd 2025.
- Read through the Terms and Conditions, complete form, and sign. Next, complete the CDP application. Send all completed documents to aedisconnectprogram@austinenergy for review.
- Once the documents are reviewed, a program rep will be following up with the applicant.
- Approved registrations are good for one year from the approval date. Electrical contractors who wish to participate in the program must register with Austin Energy annually and follow all required guidelines.
- A mandatory training class will occur following the close of each registration period. An email will be sent out prior to training to all who successfully register.
- There will be a $165 charge assessed to each permit that is accepted into the program to cover the cost of Austin Energy’s Completeness Check. This charge will show up on the permit as AE Field Ops Consultation.
- It is solely the responsibility of the permit holder to keep a permit active until it receives a Final status. To do so, permit holders must actively perform work toward the completion of the permitted project and schedule a final inspection.
Download the Contractor Disconnect Terms and Conditions (pdf) for complete details
Important Documents
- Contractor Disconnect Designee Application (pdf)
- Contractor Disconnect Terms and Conditions (pdf)
- Contractor Disconnect Completeness form (pdf)
- Contractor Disconnect Permitting Instructions (pdf)
- Contractor Disconnect Program Registered Contractors (pdf)
- Contractor Disconnect Program Terminations (pdf)
- Contractor Disconnect Program Work Instructions (pdf)
Questions?
Date last reviewed or modified: 05/02/2025