A temporary power pole — the T-pole or saw service — is the temporary electrical service that energizes a construction site before the permanent service is live. In Georgia it generally needs its own permit, and in the City of Atlanta it's frequently pulled as a separate permit alongside the general electrical permit. Fees typically run $50–$175 (about $175 per permit in Atlanta), approval is one to three business days, and the job needs a temporary service inspection plus a utility release from Georgia Power.
When do you need a temporary power permit?
You need a temporary power permit to set a temporary service for construction before the permanent service is energized — to run tools, lighting, and a job trailer. On metro Atlanta jobs, particularly new construction and ground-up work, temp power and the T-pole are routinely separate permit records from the general electrical permit. A common rejection is filing the T-pole but forgetting it must be paired with the required general electrical permit.
Typical scope of a permitted T-pole
- A temporary pole, meter base, and disconnect set to spec.
- Proper grounding and weatherproofing for outdoor temporary service.
- Georgia Power coordination to energize the temporary service.
Atlanta's per-permit setup
The City of Atlanta has the highest permit density in the metro. A single job often carries temporary power (commonly coded BT), general electrical (BE), and a T-pole as three separate permits at about $175 each. If your job needs temp power in Atlanta, budget for it as its own line item — it's not bundled into the general electrical permit. See our City of Atlanta electrical permits guide for the full multi-permit breakdown.
Fees, inspection, and timeline
| Item | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-pole permit fee | $50–$175 | About $175 per permit in the City of Atlanta. |
| Approval timeline | 1–3 business days | Usually quick relative to general electrical. |
| Inspections | Temporary service + utility release | Georgia Power energizes on release. |
Let PullPermits.ai pull it for you
PullPermits.ai files City of Atlanta electrical permits today, including the Temporary Pole type. You describe the job, review a preview with the permit and its fee, and tap Approve & File. PullPermits.ai files it and tracks it; a job that also needs a general electrical permit is filed as its own permit the same way. You pay each fee directly on the city's own payment page, at exact cost. You stay the named, licensed applicant — you approve, we file.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a T-pole its own permit in Georgia?
- Often, yes — especially in the City of Atlanta, where temporary power and the T-pole are routinely pulled as separate permits alongside the general electrical permit.
- How much is a temporary power permit in Georgia?
- Typically $50–$175, and about $175 per permit in the City of Atlanta. You pay it directly to the city or county, at cost.
- Why was my T-pole permit rejected?
- Common reasons include filing it without the required companion general electrical permit, pole/meter height or grounding not to spec, and filing under the wrong permit type.
- How long does a T-pole permit take?
- Usually one to three business days, plus a temporary service inspection and a Georgia Power utility release to energize the service.