Cost to Upgrade from 100 to 200 Amp Service in Ontario

Cost to Upgrade from 100 to 200 Amp Service in Ontario

Upgrading your home’s electrical service from 100 to 200 amps is one of the most impactful electrical investments you can make. It adds capacity for modern appliances, EV chargers, and additional circuits — and it’s often required by insurance companies and building codes before certain renovations. Here’s what a 200-amp service upgrade actually costs in Ontario, including the key variable that most guides overlook: whether you have underground or overhead service.

How Much Does a 200-Amp Service Upgrade Cost in Ontario?

All prices below include labour, materials, and the required ESA permit and inspection. In Ontario, only a licensed electrical contractor can perform a service upgrade and pull the necessary permit.

Underground Service Upgrade to 200 Amp

If your home receives power through an underground service entrance, upgrading to 200-amp service starts at $1,600. Underground installations are generally more straightforward — the utility line runs underground to the meter base, and the contractor replaces the panel and meter base without needing to work on the roof or upper exterior walls.

Overhead Service Upgrade to 200 Amp

If your home has overhead service — meaning the utility line runs from a pole to a weatherhead mounted near your roofline — upgrading to 200-amp service starts at $2,600. This higher cost reflects the additional scope: the contractor must replace the weatherhead, run new service entrance cable along the exterior of the house, and coordinate a utility disconnect with your local hydro company so the line can be reconnected safely after the upgrade.

Underground vs. Overhead: Why Does It Matter?

The type of service entrance your home has is one of the most important cost factors in any service upgrade. Here’s what distinguishes them:

• Underground service — The utility cable enters through the foundation or a conduit below grade. The meter base is mounted on the exterior wall at ground level. No rooftop or weatherhead work is needed, which reduces the scope and cost of the upgrade.
• Overhead service — The utility line connects to a weatherhead mounted at the roofline. Upgrading requires replacing the service entrance cable that runs from the weatherhead down the exterior wall to the meter base, installing a new weatherhead rated for 200-amp service, and scheduling a utility disconnect. The additional materials and coordination steps mean a higher starting price.

If you’re unsure which type you have, look at your meter base: if the wires come from below or through the wall, it’s underground; if they come from above through a curved pipe at the top of the house, it’s overhead.

What’s Included in the Price?

A licensed electrical contractor’s 200-amp service upgrade price includes:

• New 200-amp electrical panel and breakers
• New meter base (if required)
• Service entrance cable and weatherhead replacement (overhead service)
• All wiring connections and circuit transfers from the old panel
• Utility disconnect coordination with your hydro provider (overhead service)
• ESA permit application and inspection
• All materials and labour to meet Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) standards

When Do You Need a 200-Amp Service Upgrade?

Common reasons homeowners upgrade from 100 to 200 amps in Ontario include:

• Installing an EV charger that requires a dedicated 240V circuit
• Adding central air conditioning, a hot tub, or other high-draw appliances
• Finishing a basement or addition that requires new circuits
• Insurance company flagging the panel as undersized
• Home sale requiring an electrical update before closing
• Frequent tripped breakers or inability to add new circuits to the existing panel

Do You Need a Permit for a Service Upgrade in Ontario?

Yes — always. A service upgrade is a regulated electrical activity under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC). A permit is required and will trigger an ESA inspection once the work is complete. The inspection confirms the work is safe and code-compliant, which protects your home insurance, property value, and family safety.

Any contractor offering a service upgrade without a permit is operating illegally in Ontario. This voids your insurance coverage for any electrical-related claims and can create serious problems when you sell the property.

Get a Quote for Your Service Upgrade

EZSMART provides all-inclusive 200-amp service upgrade quotes for residential and commercial properties across Ontario. We assess your existing service entrance, panel location, and circuit count before quoting — so the price you receive is accurate and complete, with no hidden fees for permits or materials.

Contact us today to schedule a site visit and get a firm price for your service upgrade.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp