100 A to 200 A service upgrade steps

A service upgrade usually involves more than replacing a panel. Utility scheduling, meter equipment, permits, load information, and inspection timing all matter.

Use this guide when a home is moving from a capacity question to a possible service upgrade, panel replacement, meter change, or utility request.

When to use this guide

• A home with 100 A service is adding EV charging, heat pump backup heat, secondary suite loads, or workshop equipment.
• An electrician recommends a 200 A upgrade and the owner needs to understand utility and inspection sequencing.
• A project quote includes panel, meter base, mast, trench, disconnect, or service entrance work that involves multiple parties.

Inputs to gather

• Existing service size, meter location, overhead or underground service, panel rating, main breaker, and service entrance condition.
• Proposed new loads and future loads driving the upgrade discussion.
• Utility account, service request requirements, metering equipment requirements, and outage scheduling needs.
• Panel location, grounding/bonding context, surge protection or generator interlock discussions, and available working space.
• Authority permit or notification path and inspection timing.

Project path matrix

Working checklist

• Confirm the project branch: A home with 100 A service is adding EV charging, heat pump backup heat, secondary suite loads, or workshop equipment.
• Measure or photograph the first hard inputs: Existing service size, meter location, overhead or underground service, panel rating, main breaker, and service entrance condition. Proposed new loads and future loads driving the upgrade discussion.
• Record the decision basis: Installing a 200 A panel is not the same as receiving a 200 A utility service. Hydro One, BC Hydro, Toronto Hydro, FortisBC, ENMAX, EPCOR, and other utilities can have different service request requirements.
• Keep the handoff package together: Photos of meter base, service mast or lateral entry, main panel, main breaker, grounding/bonding area, and proposed panel location.
• Stop before work proceeds if this applies: The utility cannot confirm service availability or required metering equipment.

Workflow

1. Confirm the reason for the upgrade and whether load management or lower-current equipment is still a viable alternative.
2. Prepare load summary, panel photos, meter/service photos, and proposed equipment specs before utility or contractor review.
3. Confirm utility-side scope: meter base, service lateral, overhead mast, transformer availability, disconnect, or trench.
4. Coordinate contractor work, utility outage, inspection, reconnection, and any follow-up labeling or panel schedule cleanup.
5. Keep the final service documentation with future load-planning records.

Decision checkpoints

• Installing a 200 A panel is not the same as receiving a 200 A utility service.
• Meter base and service entrance requirements are utility-specific and may affect equipment choice.
• An upgrade can expose existing defects or grounding/bonding issues that must be resolved.
• A larger service may not be the only option if load management or equipment selection changes the load profile.

Canada-specific checks

• Hydro One, BC Hydro, Toronto Hydro, FortisBC, ENMAX, EPCOR, and other utilities can have different service request requirements.
• Overhead and underground services can have different lead times, ownership boundaries, and site-prep obligations.
• Final work must be coordinated with the local utility, electrical authority, current Canadian Electrical Code context, and equipment markings.

Project package to keep

• Photos of meter base, service mast or lateral entry, main panel, main breaker, grounding/bonding area, and proposed panel location.
• Load-list calculator output and proposed equipment spec sheets.
• Utility application or service request confirmation, permit/notification number, outage date, inspection notes, and reconnection record.
• Updated panel schedule and service label photos after completion.

Stop and get local review

• The utility cannot confirm service availability or required metering equipment.
• The project includes generator transfer equipment, solar, battery storage, secondary suite, or commercial/rental occupancy.
• Existing service equipment condition, grounding, bonding, clearances, or working space is uncertain.

Questions to settle before work starts

• Which local authority, utility, property authority, product listing, or manufacturer instruction controls this service and load planning decision?
• Which inputs are measured from the field or nameplate, and which are still assumptions from a quote, drawing, or memory?
• Which part of the work will be concealed, energized, interconnected, or purchased before review if the sequence is not controlled?
• Which single assumption would change the equipment choice, installation path, cost, schedule, or inspection timing?
• Who will keep the final photos, calculator outputs, product documents, permit or utility records, and commissioning notes?

Use the related tools

• Use the Canadian Service Capacity Calculator to organize the service-size discussion before requesting quotes.
• Use the Load List kVA and Amps Calculator to summarize proposed loads.
• Use the Voltage Systems Chart if voltage-system terminology is unclear.

Public reference starting points

• Hydro One service upgrade - Ontario utility workflow example.
• BC Hydro electrical connections forms and guides - Utility forms and guide entry point.

Local standards and authority note

Service upgrade work must be coordinated with the local utility, authority, product markings, and qualified professionals.