The PSE&G ESI approval letter is one of the most important documents in a New Jersey service upgrade project — and one of the least explained. Most electricians receive it, note the job number, and move on. But the letter contains specific instructions that, if missed, cause reconnection delays that nobody anticipated.
This guide breaks down every section of a standard PSE&G ESI approval letter and explains what action each section requires from you.
What is an ESI approval letter?
When PSE&G approves your Electric Service Installation (ESI) application, they issue a written approval that:
1. Confirms the approved scope of work 2. Assigns a PSE&G job number (also called a work order number) 3. Specifies the technical requirements for the installation 4. Outlines the coordination steps required before PSE&G will reconnect power
The letter is sent to the licensed electrician listed on the ESI application, typically via email to the address on file. If you filed through ClearPath, we receive the letter and forward it to you with our notes.
Key sections of the PSE&G ESI approval letter
Job number / work order number
This is PSE&G's internal tracking number for your specific service installation. You'll need this number for every subsequent interaction with PSE&G — inspection scheduling, meter reconnection requests, and follow-up calls if PSE&G is running behind.
Write this number down and give it to your customer. It's the only way PSE&G's phone representatives can find your specific job in their system.
Approved service size
The letter specifies the approved amperage (100A, 200A, 400A, etc.) and voltage (120/240V single-phase for residential, 208Y/120V three-phase for commercial). Verify that the approved service size matches what you actually requested and what the customer needs. If there's a discrepancy, contact PSE&G before proceeding.
Meter socket and equipment specifications
PSE&G specifies the required meter socket type, mounting height, clearance requirements, and any specific equipment requirements (weatherhead height, service entrance cable vs. rigid conduit, etc.). These requirements must be met exactly — PSE&G's inspector will verify compliance before signing off.
Common requirements that trip up contractors:
- Meter socket height: typically center of socket between 4'6" and 5'6" from finished grade
- Clearance from openings: windows, doors, eaves — minimum clearances specified per NEC
- Conduit material: some jobs require rigid metal conduit (RMC) on the exterior run; check the letter
- Seal requirements: weatherhead and all conduit entries must be sealed per PSE&G standards
Inspection requirements
The letter specifies whether PSE&G requires a pre-energization inspection before reconnecting power. For most residential service upgrades, PSE&G will want to inspect the meter socket, service entrance, and grounding system before restoring power.
Schedule this inspection as soon as the work is complete — do not wait until the day you want power restored. PSE&G inspection scheduling typically takes 2–5 business days.
Municipal permit cross-reference
PSE&G requires confirmation that the municipal electrical permit (F120) is in place before final reconnection in most cases. Some letters explicitly state this; others imply it. Either way, have your permit number ready when you schedule the PSE&G inspection.
Coordination instructions
Some ESI approvals include specific coordination instructions — particularly for underground service, three-phase commercial jobs, or work that requires PSE&G to pull and replace their portion of the service. These jobs require a pre-construction coordination call with PSE&G's field team. The letter will specify this.
If your letter says "contact PSE&G field operations prior to beginning work" — do that before you dig or pull any wire. Skipping this step can result in a stop-work situation.
What to do after receiving the approval letter
Step 1: Confirm scope and specs match your plans. Read the approved service size, equipment specifications, and clearance requirements. If anything conflicts with how you were planning to install, sort that out before starting.
Step 2: Save the job number. This is your key to every future PSE&G interaction. Put it in your job file, your truck, and your customer file.
Step 3: Complete the work per the PSE&G specifications. The letter's equipment and clearance requirements are mandatory. Non-compliant installations will fail PSE&G inspection.
Step 4: Pass municipal inspection. Get your F120 final inspection signed off by the municipal Electrical Subcode Official before or concurrent with the PSE&G inspection.
Step 5: Request PSE&G inspection. Contact PSE&G to schedule the pre-energization inspection. Have your job number ready. Typical wait: 2–5 business days.
Step 6: PSE&G inspection and reconnection. If the inspection passes, PSE&G restores power. If there are deficiencies, they will provide a written list — correct them and reschedule.
Common reasons PSE&G inspections fail
- Meter socket at wrong height
- Missing or incorrect grounding electrode system
- Conduit not properly supported or sealed
- Weatherhead height insufficient (minimum 10' above grade for residential)
- Missing drip loop on service entrance cable
- Conduit fill violation on service entrance
- Wrong meter socket type for approved service size
Review the specification section of your approval letter against your installation before calling for inspection. A failed PSE&G inspection adds 5–10 business days to your reconnection timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a PSE&G ESI approval after submitting?
Standard residential ESI applications: typically 2–4 weeks. Complex or commercial jobs: 4–8 weeks. Expedited processing is not generally available.
What happens if my ESI approval expires?
PSE&G ESI approvals have an expiration date — typically 12 months from issuance. If work is not completed and inspected within the approval period, you will need to reapply. Check the letter for the expiration date and flag it in your project tracking.
Do I need the approval letter to schedule a PSE&G inspection?
You don't need to produce the letter — you need the job number from it. PSE&G's inspection scheduling system tracks jobs by work order number. Have that number ready when you call.
What if my work doesn't match the approved specs?
If your installation will deviate from the approved specifications (different conduit route, different meter socket location, changed service size), contact PSE&G before proceeding. Some deviations require a revised ESI application. Attempting to pass inspection with an installation that doesn't match the approval is a common source of failed inspections.
Can ClearPath help with PSE&G inspection scheduling?
Yes. ClearPath tracks your PSE&G application from submission through final sign-off. Once you've completed the work and passed municipal inspection, we can coordinate the PSE&G inspection scheduling on your behalf.
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Filed your ESI yet? Start a permit at clearpath-nj.com/contractor/register — ClearPath files your F120 and PSE&G ESI on the same day, then tracks both through to sign-off.