Electric FX’s published planning range for a 200A electrical service upgrade is $3,000–$5,000+ before HST. This is a budgeting guide for Toronto and GTA projects, not a fixed price or maximum. The existing service, meter location, access and utility requirements determine the work. Underground alterations and relocation are quoted separately.
The most useful estimate answers two questions: what capacity will the completed installation provide, and what work is included to achieve it? Comparing those details helps explain why two proposals with the same “200A upgrade” label may have different totals.
First confirm that you need more service capacity
Tell us what you want to add: an EV charger, electric heating, cooking equipment, a hot tub or a larger renovation. We assess the existing installation and proposed demand before recommending the service size.
A new panel alone does not necessarily increase the supply to your home. A panel replacement at existing capacity has a different scope from upgrading the complete service. For EV charging, a suitable load-management solution may also be worth considering.
What belongs in the written estimate?
A proposal should describe the customer-side equipment and installation, rather than leaving the scope at “upgrade to 200A.” Ask for the panel and breaker arrangement, meter or service equipment changes, circuit reconnections and applicable grounding and bonding work to be identified.
The estimate should also explain how ESA notification and review steps are handled, whether utility charges are included, and who coordinates the power interruption. Do not assume a planning range includes every possible charge.
| Cost component | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Electrical equipment | Panel, breakers, service conductors and meter equipment included in the design. |
| Installation labour | Access, circuit reconnections, routing and any relocation. |
| ESA arrangements | Notification, applicable review stages and acceptance documentation. |
| Utility work | Connection or isolation requirements, charges and responsibility for payment. |
| Property work | Excavation, patching, painting, landscaping or other restoration. |
Overhead and underground services can have different scopes
An overhead supply with suitable equipment locations may involve different work from an underground installation requiring excavation or changes to the service route. Existing equipment condition and utility requirements still matter in both cases.
Before budgeting underground work, establish the proposed route, property access and what surfaces may be disturbed. A quote including excavation should say whether reinstatement of paving, landscaping or other finishes is included. Those are separate tasks unless specifically listed.
Meter relocation and difficult access add work
Relocating equipment can change conductor lengths, mounting arrangements and the route to the panel. Finished walls, tight mechanical rooms and existing construction can also affect installation time.
For example, increasing capacity while keeping acceptable equipment locations may be a narrower project than moving the meter and panel during an addition. These are illustrative scenarios; a site assessment establishes your actual scope.
Plan for the utility process and power interruption
Toronto Hydro’s service upgrade process includes review of the request and applicable connection conditions. Customer construction work, required approvals and utility scheduling need to be coordinated before connection. Other GTA utilities have their own procedures.
Ask when the outage is expected, what needs to be ready beforehand and whether equipment delivery or civil work could affect the appointment. We discuss arrangements for your property instead of promising a universal completion date.
Send the information that makes a quote useful
- Property address and the reason for the upgrade.
- Photos of the closed panel, visible labels, meter and surrounding access.
- Current and planned major electrical equipment.
- Drawings showing additions, equipment relocation or new parking areas.
- Any access restrictions or construction milestones.
Do not remove panel covers or open meter equipment for photographs. Electric FX provides a written proposal for the recommended work and discusses scope changes before additional work proceeds.
Explore our panel replacement and electrical service upgrade services or request a project assessment for your Toronto or GTA home.
Further reading: Electric FX published pricing guide; Toronto Hydro service upgrade process; ESA notifications and inspections.