Electrical Panel & Service Upgrades in Greater Vancouver
Electrical service upgrades from 60A or 100A to 200A across Greater Vancouver. We handle permits, BC Hydro coordination and inspection.
Book your panel upgrade assessment
Tell us what you’re planning to add, and we’ll check whether your home needs an upgrade.
When do you need a panel or service upgrade?
Most homes need an upgrade when the existing service can’t safely carry the load you want to add. The most common triggers we see:
• You’re adding an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, induction range or a basement suite.
• Your home still has a fuse panel or 60A service.
• You’re planning a renovation that adds circuits.
• Breakers trip often, or the panel is warm, buzzing or shows scorch marks.
• Your insurer or a home inspector has flagged the panel.
If you notice heat, burning smells or scorch marks, stop using the affected circuits and call an electrician. Don’t remove the panel cover yourself.
What's included in a PTE panel upgrade
• 100A to 200A service upgrades
• Main panel replacement at the same or higher amperage
• Fuse-to-breaker conversions
• Subpanels for garages, suites and additions
• Overhead and underground services
• Load calculations to confirm the right service size
• Electrical permit, inspection and BC Hydro coordination
Do you always need a 200 amp upgrade?
Not always. A load calculation under Section 8 of the Canadian Electrical Code shows whether your current service can handle the new load. In some homes, an EV energy management system (EVEMS) or load-sharing device lets you add an EV charger without upgrading the service. We’ll tell you which option fits your home before you commit.
How a panel upgrade works, step by step
1. Site visit and load calculation. We check your existing service, panel and planned loads, then recommend a service size.
2. Written quote. You see our scope and price. BC Hydro’s own fees are billed by BC Hydro, separately.
3. Permit and BC Hydro application. We apply for the electrical permit and submit the service connection request.
4. Scheduling. BC Hydro sets the disconnect and reconnect date. Their schedule usually decides the overall timeline.
5. Upgrade day. BC Hydro disconnects power, we install the new equipment, and BC Hydro reconnects. Expect to be without power for most of the day.
6. Inspection and handover. The work is inspected, and you receive your permit and warranty documents.
How long does a 200 amp service upgrade take?
The work at your home usually takes one day. The full process, from permit to reconnection, depends mainly on BC Hydro’s review and scheduling, and on whether your service is overhead or underground. We’ll give you a realistic timeline in your quote.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Every home is different, so we quote after a site visit. The main cost factors are:
• Overhead or underground service
• Distance between the meter and the panel
• Whether the meter base or mast needs replacing
• Number of circuits to move to the new panel
• Wall repairs or upgrades the inspector requires
• BC Hydro connection fees
Panel upgrade FAQs
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in BC?
Yes. A service or panel upgrade needs an electrical permit from Technical Safety BC or, in some cities, from the municipality. We apply for it as part of the job.
Will my power be off during the upgrade?
Yes, for part of one day. BC Hydro disconnects the service so the new equipment can be installed safely, then reconnects it after the work passes inspection.
Can I install an EV charger without upgrading my panel?
Often, yes. A load calculation shows whether there’s enough capacity, and an EV energy management system can sometimes avoid an upgrade. See our EV charger installation page.
Is a 100 amp service enough for my home?
It depends on what you run. Many older homes on 100A are fine until they add an EV charger, heat pump or suite. A load calculation gives the answer.
Should I replace an old fuse panel?
We recommend it. Fuse panels limit how many circuits you can add, and some insurers ask about them. A replacement also gives you modern breaker protection.
Book your panel upgrade assessment
Tell us what you’re planning to add, and we’ll check whether your home needs an upgrade.
