Will unpaid utilities affect solar panel installation?

[John S.]

I have a tenant in San Jose, CA who pays rent on time, but recently they left opens statements on the table during a home repair. I saw their electric bill (PG&E) is ~$2500. The water bill (San Jose Water) shows the same amount. Even though the utilities are in the tenant’s name, I am worry it may affect my in-progress electric panel upgrade to 200A (ie new meters), solar panel system, and the next tenants’ ability to open a utility account.

Here are my questions for the community:

1) Am I at risk to pay their unpaid utilities if they move out?

2) Should I evict them if utilities are shutoff?

3) Will a new tenant be able to open a new utility

account?

4) An electric panel upgrade is needed for the existing home and my in-progress ADU, which requires solar. The solar company said the electric utility account holder will still be with the tenant. Because the unpaid bills are high, could the utility company (PG&E) decline to upgrade my panel with new meters and not connect my solar panel system?

Thanks all.