Electrical Service Upgrades in British Columbia

A service upgrade is one of the most important electrical improvements a homeowner in British Columbia can make. As homes age and families adopt modern appliances, electric vehicles, and heat pumps, the original 100-amp electrical service installed decades ago is often no longer sufficient. Upgrading from a 100-amp to a 200-amp service gives your home the capacity to handle today's power demands safely and reliably, while also future-proofing the property for additions, renovations, or a second EV charger.

What a Service Upgrade Involves

A typical service upgrade in BC involves replacing the main electrical panel, upgrading the meter base and service entrance cable, and coordinating with BC Hydro to reconnect power. In most municipalities across the Lower Mainland and Tri-Cities — including Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, and New Westminster — a permit and inspection are required before the new panel can be energized. Castle Electric handles the entire process on your behalf, from permit application to BC Hydro coordination and final inspection, so the homeowner never has to navigate the paperwork alone.

Cost Factors

Cost is the most common question homeowners ask. A straightforward 100A to 200A service upgrade with an overhead service connection typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500, while homes with an underground service or a panel located far from the meter can expect a higher investment due to additional trenching, conduit, and labour. Older homes built before 1980 may also require grounding and bonding upgrades to meet the current Canadian Electrical Code, which can add to the total. Because every home is different, a site visit is the only way to confirm a final price — but the ranges above cover the majority of single-family homes in the region.

Signs You May Need an Upgrade

Common warning signs include frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights when large appliances start, a panel that is full or still uses outdated fuses, or plans to install an EV charger, hot tub, or secondary suite. If any of these apply, a licensed electrician should assess your home's load and panel condition before you add new circuits. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to nuisance outages, damaged appliances, or — in the worst case — an electrical fire.

Use the instant estimator above to get a transparent price range for your upgrade in minutes, then contact Castle Electric to confirm the estimate and book a site visit with a licensed, insured electrician serving the Tri-Cities and Lower Mainland.