Panel Upgrades
200 or 400 amp service for EVs, heat pumps, induction ranges and batteries. Most 200 amp upgrades: $5,500 to $11,500, plus permit and utility fees.
The EV is in the driveway, the heat pump is on order, and the panel is the 100 or 125 amp box many pre-2000 homes came with. It was sized for an electric dryer, not all this.
You may not need a bigger panel. A load calculation often shows a subpanel, smart panel or load management device will do, for a fraction of the price.
Panel upgrade work
- Panel UpgradeMore power for EVs, heat pumps and batteries.
- SubpanelsExtra breaker space where you need it.
- Smart PanelsSee and control every circuit from an app.
- Service & Meter UpgradeRaise the power coming into your home.
Signs you've outgrown your panel
- Adding an EV charger, heat pump, battery, hot tub or ADU
- Breakers trip when big appliances overlap
- No open slots for new circuits
- Still on 100 or 125 amp service
How a panel upgrade goes
- Check the load. We add up what you run now and plan to add, then size to fit.
- Permit and utility. We file the permit and book the utility disconnect and reconnect.
- Upgrade day. Utility cuts power, we swap panel, main and grounding, utility restores it.
- Inspect and label. City or county inspection, every circuit labeled.
What a panel upgrade costs
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| 200 amp panel and service upgrade (plus permit and utility fees) | $5,500 to $11,500 |
| 400 amp service upgrade (plus permit and utility fees) | $15,500 to $28,000 |
| Underground service relocation (if the service goes underground or moves) | $22,000 to $28,000 |
Prices updated October 2026.
Panels in local homes
SMUD reconnects most of Sacramento County; PG&E most of Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, Sutter and Nevada counties. Roseville Electric and Lodi Electric Utility cover Roseville and Lodi. Utility fees show as their own quote lines.
Panel upgrade questions
How much does a panel upgrade cost in the Sacramento area?
Most 200 amp upgrades run $5,500 to $11,500 and 400 amp service $15,500 to $28,000, before permit and utility fees. Distance to the service moves it. Prices updated October 2026.
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. Load management lets many 100 or 125 amp homes add a Level 2 charger by slowing it when the house is busy.
How long is the power off during a panel upgrade?
Usually one working day, off in the morning, back on after install and any required inspection.
Should I upgrade to 200 or 400 amps?
200 amps covers most homes, even with an EV charger and heat pump. 400 amps is for big all-electric homes with several EVs, or an ADU, pool and battery together.
Updated October 2026 by the Chief Electric team.