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 knows that an Atlanta job needing temp power likely needs a general electrical permit and a T-pole too — so it drafts the full set rather than a single record. You describe the job, review a preview with every permit and its fee, and tap Approve & File. PullPermits.ai files the set, pays each fee at exact cost, tracks every record, and requests the temporary service inspection. 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. PullPermits.ai passes the fee through 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.