Electrical Load Studies for LA Businesses

Introduction

As Los Angeles businesses grow and evolve, their electrical demands often grow with them. Whether you're planning a major expansion, adding commercial EV charging stations, upgrading equipment, or completing tenant improvements, you may need an electrical load study before proceeding. This comprehensive analysis helps determine if your existing electrical infrastructure can handle increased demand or if upgrades are necessary.

At Shaffer Construction, we've conducted electrical load studies for hundreds of Los Angeles commercial properties, helping business owners make informed decisions about their electrical capacity needs. Understanding what load studies are, when they're required, and what the process involves can save you time, money, and prevent costly mistakes during your project planning.

What is an Electrical Load Study?

An electrical load study, also called a load analysis or demand study, is a detailed examination of your building's electrical consumption patterns over a specific period, typically 30 days. This study measures critical electrical parameters including voltage, current, power factor, frequency, and peak demand to create a comprehensive profile of how your facility uses electricity.

The study involves installing specialized monitoring equipment at your electrical panel or service entrance that continuously records data throughout the monitoring period. This equipment captures every fluctuation in electrical demand, from the low usage periods during nights and weekends to peak demand times when all systems are running simultaneously. The resulting data reveals your facility's actual electrical consumption patterns, not just theoretical calculations based on connected load.

Unlike simple electrical load calculations that estimate demand based on installed equipment, a load study provides real-world data about your actual electrical usage. This empirical evidence is far more accurate for planning purposes because it accounts for diversity factors, meaning not all equipment runs simultaneously, and actual usage patterns that may differ significantly from nameplate ratings. For Los Angeles businesses, this real-world data is essential for coordinating with LADWP and planning cost-effective electrical system upgrades.

Why Your Los Angeles Business Might Need a Load Study

California Electrical Code Section 220.87 requires that existing electrical loads must be determined before modifying or adding to electrical systems, and the code specifically requires 30 days of data monitoring for accuracy. Beyond code compliance, load studies serve several critical business purposes that can save money and prevent operational disruptions.

A load study reveals your facility's available electrical capacity, the unused portion of your service that can accommodate new loads without requiring a service upgrade. This information is invaluable when planning expansions or equipment additions, as it helps you understand whether your existing infrastructure can support your growth or if costly upgrades will be necessary. Making this determination before committing to a project prevents expensive surprises and project delays.

The study also identifies peak demand periods and quantifies your maximum electrical draw. This information helps you coordinate with LADWP for service increases if needed and can reveal opportunities to reduce demand charges on your utility bill through load shifting or demand management strategies. Many Los Angeles businesses discover they can reduce operating costs by understanding and optimizing their demand patterns.

For businesses planning significant electrical changes, a load study provides the documentation LADWP requires for service increase requests and gives you concrete data to support permit applications with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. This professional documentation streamlines approval processes and demonstrates due diligence to inspectors and utility planners. Shaffer Construction uses this data to design electrical systems that meet your needs without over-building, saving you money on unnecessary infrastructure.

When LADWP Requires an Electrical Load Study

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has specific requirements for when load studies and detailed electrical planning documentation are necessary. Understanding these thresholds helps you plan your project timeline and budget appropriately.

LADWP requires comprehensive load analysis for services exceeding 400 amps single-phase or any three-phase commercial service. At these service levels, your project will be assigned to an Electrical Service Planner who will be either an Electrical Engineer or an Electric Service Representative, depending on the magnitude and character of the load being served. These larger services require submission through LADWP's Construction and Renovation Electric Service Request process.

Services above 500 kilovolt-amps are typically handled by LADWP's Customer Station Design Group, which requires extensive electrical planning documentation including detailed load schedules listing all lighting, receptacles, air conditioning, elevators, general power, motors, and other equipment summarized in kilowatts and horsepower. For these very large services, professional electrical engineering and comprehensive load analysis are essential.

Even for services under these thresholds, LADWP requires basic load information submitted on their Service Planning Information form. While this may not constitute a full 30-day load study, accurate load documentation is still necessary. Shaffer Construction handles all LADWP coordination and documentation requirements, ensuring your project moves forward smoothly without delays from incomplete or inaccurate submissions.

Additionally, if you're requesting an increase to existing service, LADWP will typically require documentation demonstrating the need for additional capacity. A load study showing your current usage patterns and projected future demand provides the evidence needed to justify and expedite service increase requests. This is particularly common when adding commercial EV charging infrastructure, which can represent significant new electrical demand.

Common Business Scenarios Requiring Load Studies

Several typical business situations trigger the need for electrical load studies in Los Angeles commercial properties. Recognizing these scenarios early in your planning process allows you to budget for the study and avoid project delays.

Installing commercial EV charging stations is one of the most common reasons businesses need load studies today. A single Level 2 commercial charger typically requires 40 to 80 amps, and DC fast chargers can demand 200 amps or more. Installing multiple charging stations for employee or customer use can quickly consume available electrical capacity. A load study determines how many chargers your existing service can support and whether load management systems can maximize charger deployment without requiring expensive service upgrades. Many Los Angeles businesses discover they can install more chargers than initially expected by using smart charging systems that distribute available power efficiently based on real-time demand.

Major equipment additions such as new HVAC systems, industrial machinery, commercial kitchen equipment, or data center infrastructure often require load studies. These high-demand systems can represent 50 to 200 amps or more of additional load, and a load study reveals whether your existing electrical infrastructure has the capacity to support them. This is particularly important in older Los Angeles buildings where electrical systems may already be operating near capacity.

Tenant improvements and build-outs frequently require load studies, especially in commercial spaces where existing electrical infrastructure was designed for different uses. Converting warehouse space to office use with extensive lighting and HVAC, or transforming retail space into a restaurant with commercial kitchen equipment, can dramatically change electrical demand profiles. Landlords and tenants both benefit from load studies that clearly establish electrical capacity limitations and upgrade requirements before lease negotiations are finalized.

Building expansions and renovations that add square footage, change building use, or significantly modify electrical systems trigger load study requirements. California code requires determining existing loads before modifications, and LADWP needs to verify that service capacity is adequate for the expanded facility. Planning these studies early in the design phase prevents costly redesigns when capacity limitations are discovered late in the project.

The Electrical Load Study Process

Understanding the load study process helps you plan project timelines and coordinate with contractors and utility representatives. While the process is technical, working with experienced electrical contractors like Shaffer Construction makes it straightforward.

The process begins with an initial consultation and site assessment where an electrician evaluates your electrical service, existing infrastructure, and planned changes. This assessment determines monitoring point locations, typically at your main service entrance or major distribution panels, and identifies any access or safety considerations. The electrician discusses your project plans, timeline, and specific concerns to ensure the study captures the data you need for decision-making.

Next, specialized power monitoring equipment is installed at predetermined locations. These devices, such as Fluke power loggers or similar professional-grade instruments, connect to electrical conductors and measure voltage, current, power factor, and other parameters continuously. Installation typically takes a few hours and is performed during business hours with minimal disruption to operations. The equipment remains in place for the entire monitoring period, usually 30 days as required by code and LADWP standards.

During the 30-day monitoring period, the equipment automatically collects data at regular intervals, typically every 15 minutes as specified by the National Electrical Code for demand measurement. This extended monitoring period captures your facility's complete electrical usage profile, including daily cycles, weekly patterns, and any periodic high-demand events. The 30-day duration accounts for variations in business activity and ensures peak demand is accurately captured rather than estimated.

After the monitoring period concludes, the electrician returns to retrieve the monitoring equipment and download the collected data. This data is then analyzed using specialized software to identify peak demand periods, calculate average loads, evaluate phase balance in three-phase systems, and assess power quality issues. The analysis reveals your facility's maximum demand, diversity factors showing how different systems operate together, and most importantly, your available capacity for new loads.

Finally, you receive a comprehensive load study report documenting findings, including detailed graphs showing demand over time, tables quantifying peak loads and available capacity, and professional recommendations for your specific project. This report serves as official documentation for LADWP service requests, building permit applications, and internal planning purposes. Shaffer Construction presents these findings in clear, understandable terms and provides actionable recommendations for proceeding with your electrical project.

Understanding Load Study Results

Interpreting load study results correctly is essential for making informed business decisions about electrical infrastructure. The key metrics in your load study report tell you whether you can proceed with planned expansions or if upgrades are necessary.

Peak demand, measured in kilowatts or kilovolt-amps, represents the maximum electrical load your facility drew during the monitoring period. This figure is critical because it determines whether you have capacity for additional loads. For example, if you have 400-amp service at 208 volts three-phase, your theoretical maximum capacity is approximately 144 kVA. If your peak demand was 120 kVA, you have roughly 24 kVA of available capacity for new equipment, which must account for safety margins and code requirements.

Demand factor is the ratio of peak demand to total connected load, revealing how much of your installed equipment actually operates simultaneously. A demand factor of 70 percent means your peak usage is 70 percent of what it would be if everything ran at full capacity at once. This diversity allows electrical systems to serve more equipment than the sum of all individual loads would suggest, but only if actual usage patterns are understood through load studies rather than assumptions.

Power factor measures how efficiently your facility uses electricity, with values closer to 1.0 being more efficient. Poor power factor, typically below 0.85, can result in higher utility costs and reduced capacity for additional loads. Many Los Angeles businesses discover power factor issues during load studies and can implement cost-effective corrections that improve efficiency and free up capacity without service upgrades.

Phase balance in three-phase systems shows whether electrical loads are evenly distributed across all three phases. Significant imbalances can cause overheating, reduced equipment life, and wasted capacity. A load study revealing a 100-amp load on phase A but only 60 amps on phases B and C indicates opportunities to redistribute loads and gain effective capacity through better balance.

Available capacity is the most actionable result, telling you how much additional load your existing service can support. This figure accounts for peak demand, code-required safety margins, and future growth considerations. When Shaffer Construction presents load study results, we translate these technical findings into clear answers about whether your planned project can proceed with existing infrastructure or requires upgrades, and we provide cost-effective options for either scenario.

Costs and Timeline for Load Studies

Understanding the costs and timeline associated with electrical load studies helps you budget and plan your project schedule appropriately. While load studies represent an additional upfront cost, they typically save money by preventing over-building or discovering capacity limitations before expensive construction begins.

Professional load study services for commercial facilities typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on facility size, complexity, number of monitoring points, and urgency. Larger facilities with multiple electrical services or complex distribution systems require more extensive monitoring and analysis, increasing costs. However, this investment is modest compared to the costs of improperly sized electrical infrastructure or project delays from inadequate planning.

Factors affecting load study costs include the number of monitoring locations needed, with multi-tenant buildings or facilities with separate electrical systems requiring monitoring at multiple points. Accessibility of electrical equipment affects installation labor costs, as difficult-to-reach panels require more time and potentially specialized equipment. Rush timelines requiring expedited analysis also increase costs, though standard 30-day studies with normal turnaround are most cost-effective.

The timeline for a complete load study typically spans 5 to 7 weeks from start to finish. Initial consultation and site assessment can usually be scheduled within one week of contact. Equipment installation takes a few hours and can typically be scheduled within a few days of the initial consultation. The required 30-day monitoring period is fixed by code requirements and cannot be shortened without compromising data accuracy. Equipment removal and data download takes a few hours and is scheduled immediately after the monitoring period ends. Final analysis and report preparation typically requires one to two weeks after data collection, resulting in a total timeline of approximately 6 weeks.

This timeline should be factored into your overall project schedule, particularly if LADWP service increases or building permits depend on load study results. Starting the load study process early in project planning prevents it from becoming a critical path delay. Shaffer Construction coordinates load study timing with your overall project schedule to ensure seamless integration with design, permitting, and construction phases.

While load studies represent an upfront cost, they frequently save money by revealing that expensive service upgrades aren't necessary, identifying opportunities for load management that reduce infrastructure costs, preventing over-sizing of electrical systems and wasted capital expenditure, and providing documentation that expedites LADWP and permitting processes. Many Los Angeles business owners find that load studies pay for themselves through more efficient project design and avoided costs.

Alternatives to Service Upgrades

When load studies reveal limited available capacity, service upgrades aren't always the only solution. Several strategies can help maximize existing electrical infrastructure and potentially avoid or defer expensive upgrade costs.

Load management systems intelligently control when different electrical loads operate, preventing simultaneous peak demands that would exceed capacity. For EV charging applications, smart charging systems can dynamically adjust charging rates based on real-time building demand, allowing more chargers to share limited capacity. These systems typically cost $1,000 to $3,000 per charger but can enable installation of multiple chargers on circuits that could otherwise support only one or two.

Demand response programs offered by LADWP can provide financial incentives for allowing temporary load reduction during utility peak demand periods. Participating businesses receive credits or payments for agreeing to curtail non-essential loads when requested, and these programs can improve your overall electrical cost structure while demonstrating efficient capacity utilization to utility planners.

Energy efficiency upgrades that reduce existing loads free up capacity for new equipment without requiring service increases. LED lighting retrofits can reduce lighting loads by 50 to 75 percent, and upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC systems, motors, and other equipment can yield significant capacity savings. These upgrades often qualify for LADWP rebates and federal tax incentives, improving return on investment while solving capacity constraints.

Load redistribution based on load study findings can balance three-phase systems more effectively and utilize available capacity more efficiently. Many facilities have unbalanced loads that waste capacity on underutilized phases while appearing to lack capacity overall. Professional load balancing can reveal hidden capacity without any new equipment.

Staggered operation schedules for high-demand equipment can reduce peak demand by ensuring not all systems run simultaneously. For example, scheduling certain manufacturing processes, HVAC defrost cycles, or charging operations during off-peak hours can significantly reduce maximum demand and free up capacity during business hours. Load studies identify the best opportunities for this approach by revealing actual usage patterns.

Working with LADWP on Service Increases

When load studies confirm that service upgrades are necessary for your project, understanding the LADWP process helps set realistic expectations for timeline and costs. Shaffer Construction has extensive experience navigating LADWP requirements and can manage this process on your behalf.

The LADWP service increase process begins with submitting a completed Service Planning Information form along with your load study results and electrical drawings. For services over 400 amps or three-phase services, you'll work with an assigned Electrical Service Planner who reviews your submittal and determines what upgrades are required both at your facility and potentially in the utility distribution system.

LADWP evaluates whether their existing distribution infrastructure can support your requested service increase or if utility-side upgrades are necessary. In some cases, LADWP must install larger transformers, upgrade primary distribution lines, or make other improvements before increased service can be provided. These utility-side upgrades are typically provided at no cost to the customer for the first service increase, but timeline can extend several months depending on scope.

Timeline for LADWP service increases varies significantly based on project size and required utility work. Simple increases requiring only meter and connection changes may be completed in 4 to 8 weeks. Projects requiring transformer upgrades or service equipment relocation typically take 8 to 16 weeks. Major increases requiring primary distribution upgrades can take 6 months or longer. Starting the process early and maintaining clear communication with your LADWP planner helps minimize delays.

Customer-side requirements include upgrading your electrical service equipment, main panel, and potentially meter base to accommodate increased capacity. You'll need to obtain permits from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety for these electrical upgrades, and all work must be performed by licensed electrical contractors. Shaffer Construction handles the entire customer-side scope, including design, permitting, installation, and coordination with LADWP for final connection and energization.

Costs for customer-side service upgrades typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the scope of work, new service size, distance from utility connection point to your facility, accessibility and existing conditions, and whether major panel relocations or electrical distribution system modifications are required. While these costs can be significant, they're essential investments in your facility's ability to support business growth and operational needs.

Panel Upgrades and Infrastructure Improvements

Load studies often reveal that while total service capacity may be adequate, electrical panel and distribution infrastructure upgrades are necessary to properly support new loads. Understanding these requirements helps you budget comprehensively for your electrical project.

Electrical panels have limited physical space for circuit breakers, and adding new high-amperage circuits for EV chargers, equipment, or other loads may require panel upgrades even if overall capacity exists. Modern panels also offer improved safety features including arc fault and ground fault protection that older panels lack. Panel upgrades ensure your electrical infrastructure meets current code requirements and can safely accommodate planned additions.

Subpanels and distribution equipment may be necessary to efficiently route power to new loads, particularly when new equipment is located far from the main electrical service. Installing subpanels closer to new load centers reduces voltage drop, minimizes wiring costs, and provides convenient local disconnects. Load studies help determine optimal locations for distribution equipment based on actual electrical usage patterns.

Grounding and bonding systems must meet current code requirements, and older buildings often have deficient grounding that should be corrected when performing major electrical work. Proper grounding is essential for safety, equipment protection, and power quality. Shaffer Construction evaluates grounding systems during load study site assessments and incorporates necessary improvements into project scope.

Overcurrent protection devices including circuit breakers and fuses must be properly sized for both the circuits they protect and the loads they serve. Load studies revealing high inrush currents or other power quality issues may indicate need for specialized protective devices. Ensuring proper overcurrent protection prevents nuisance tripping and protects equipment from damage.

Emergency and standby power systems require special consideration in load studies, as backup generators must be sized to support critical loads identified through usage analysis. For businesses requiring high reliability, load studies can identify essential circuits that should be supported by emergency power and help size generator systems appropriately. This is particularly important for facilities with backup generator installations supporting critical operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an electrical load study take?

A complete electrical load study typically takes 5 to 7 weeks from initial consultation to final report delivery. This includes a few days for scheduling and site assessment, 30 days of continuous electrical monitoring as required by code, and 1 to 2 weeks for data analysis and report preparation. The 30-day monitoring period cannot be shortened without compromising data accuracy and code compliance. Shaffer Construction can begin monitoring within days of your initial contact to minimize total timeline.

Can I skip the load study and just upgrade my electrical service?

While you could potentially upgrade your service without a load study, this approach risks over-spending on unnecessary upgrades or under-sizing the upgrade because you lack accurate data about actual needs. California Electrical Code Section 220.87 requires determining existing loads before modifying electrical systems, and LADWP requires load documentation for service increases. A load study ensures you invest appropriately in electrical infrastructure sized correctly for your actual needs, typically saving money compared to guessing at requirements.

How much does a commercial electrical load study cost?

Professional load studies for commercial facilities typically cost $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on facility size, complexity, number of monitoring points required, and analysis scope. Larger facilities with multiple services or complex distribution systems require more extensive monitoring and cost more. While this represents an upfront investment, load studies typically save money by preventing over-building, identifying capacity that avoids expensive upgrades, and providing documentation that expedites permitting and utility coordination. Most businesses find load studies pay for themselves through more efficient project design.

What happens if the load study shows I don't have enough capacity?

If a load study reveals insufficient capacity for your planned project, you have several options beyond expensive service upgrades. Load management systems can maximize existing capacity by intelligently controlling when equipment operates. Energy efficiency upgrades can reduce existing loads and free up capacity for new equipment. Load redistribution can balance three-phase systems more effectively. Operational changes like staggered equipment scheduling can reduce peak demand. Only if these approaches prove insufficient would service upgrade be necessary. Shaffer Construction evaluates all options and recommends the most cost-effective solution for your specific situation.

Do I need a load study to add EV chargers to my business?

Whether you need a formal load study for EV chargers depends on your existing service size, number and power level of chargers planned, and LADWP requirements for your service increase request if capacity is insufficient. For businesses installing multiple Level 2 chargers or any DC fast chargers, a load study is highly recommended and often required. Even if not strictly required, a load study can reveal whether your existing capacity can support the chargers or if load management systems would allow more chargers than a simple calculation would suggest. For commercial EV charging projects, the relatively modest load study cost is well justified by ensuring proper infrastructure planning.

Can load studies identify power quality problems?

Yes, comprehensive load studies measure power quality parameters including voltage fluctuations, power factor, harmonic distortion, and phase imbalances. These measurements can reveal problems causing equipment malfunctions, excess energy costs, or reduced capacity. Many businesses discover correctible power quality issues during load studies that, once addressed, improve operations and reduce costs. Shaffer Construction includes power quality analysis in load studies and can recommend solutions for any issues identified.

How often should businesses conduct load studies?

Businesses should conduct load studies whenever planning significant electrical changes, adding major equipment, or experiencing capacity concerns. Additionally, periodic load studies every 5 to 10 years help track how electrical demand evolves as businesses grow and change. For rapidly growing businesses or those with planned expansions, more frequent studies ensure electrical infrastructure keeps pace with business needs. Load studies are relatively inexpensive compared to the costly problems they prevent, making them worthwhile investments in facility planning.

Conclusion

Electrical load studies provide essential data for Los Angeles businesses planning expansions, equipment additions, or infrastructure improvements. These studies reveal actual electrical capacity, document usage patterns for utility coordination, identify opportunities to maximize existing infrastructure, and ensure electrical investments are properly sized for real needs rather than guesswork. For businesses adding EV charging stations, upgrading equipment, completing tenant improvements, or planning facility expansions, load studies are invaluable planning tools that typically save far more than they cost.

Understanding when load studies are required by LADWP and California code, what the process involves, and how to interpret results helps you plan projects effectively and avoid costly mistakes. Working with experienced electrical contractors ensures load studies are conducted properly, results are interpreted correctly, and recommendations are practical and cost-effective for your specific situation.

Shaffer Construction has extensive experience conducting electrical load studies for Los Angeles commercial properties across all industries and facility types. We handle the entire process from initial assessment through final report delivery and implementation of any required upgrades. Our team coordinates directly with LADWP, manages all permitting requirements, and provides clear, actionable recommendations tailored to your business needs and budget. Contact Shaffer Construction at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to schedule your electrical load study consultation. Visit www.shaffercon.com to learn more about our comprehensive commercial electrical services throughout Los Angeles.