City officials say Donatus Okhamina was injured while working on a transformer yesterday and later died.
He was an experienced electrical lineman who joined the city this month.
He also served in the United States Air Force.
Okhamina leaves behind a wife and four daughters between six and 17-years-old.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for his memorial.
Flags will be at half staff in Palo Alto to honor him.