Skip to content
Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. · Saturday – Sunday: ClosedMonday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Electrical Contractor (C-13) · HI Lic. 000000(808) 555-0100
Nakamura & Tabora ElectricHonolulu, Hawaii
Send a diagram
Send a diagram
CallSend a diagram

The utility steps

From a drawn diagram to permission to operate

On Oahu the utility is Hawaiian Electric and the permit comes from the city. Rules and forms change, so we check both before each job.

  1. 01
    We draw it

    Step 1: The single-line diagram

    It shows every source, disconnect and the point of connection to your service.

    • Panels, inverter and battery on one page

    • The size of the breakers and wire

    • The labels that go on each disconnect

  2. 02
    We file it

    Step 2: The city permit

    The Department of Planning and Permitting reviews the electrical for the work.

    • The diagram and equipment sheets go in with the application

    • The permit fee is passed through on its own line

  3. 03
    Filed with the installer

    Step 3: The utility application

    The utility reviews the design before it is built, and may ask questions.

    • The export program decides what the form asks for

    • A question from the utility is answered in writing

  4. 04
    We build it

    Step 4: Install and inspection

    We wire to the approved design. The city inspector looks at the work.

    • The system stays off during the work

    • A correction from the inspector goes in a written change first

  5. 05
    We send them

    Step 5: Documents to the utility

    The sign-off and the as-built diagram go back against the application.

    • The application number stays the same

    • You get a copy

  6. 06
    The utility

    Step 6: Permission to operate

    The utility says in writing that the system may switch on. A meter change can come with it.

    • Nothing is switched on before the letter

    • We tell you what the utility said, not when

When it stalls

Three places an application waits

  • The utility has comments

    We read them with you and your installer, change the drawing or the wiring, and resubmit.

  • The inspector wants a correction

    We write up the change and its price, fix it after you agree, and book the inspector again.

  • The meter is not changed yet

    Some systems wait on the utility for a meter. We tell you what it said and who holds the next move.

Waiting on an application?

Tell us the system and where the utility stands, and we will say who holds the next step.

Send a diagramText a photo