If you’re running out of breaker space, tripping breakers, or planning to add things like a sauna, hot tub, pool, EV charger, or a secondary suite, you may need an electrical service upgrade.

Here’s exactly what a service upgrade in British Columbia involves — cost, timeline, and how the process works.

What Is a Service Upgrade?

A service upgrade increases the amount of power coming into your home from BC Hydro.

Many older homes were built with 60A or 100A services. Today, upgrades commonly bring homes to 200 amps or more, allowing for:

A larger main electrical panel
More breaker spaces
Additional electrical loads without overloading the system
Flexibility for future expansion

Depending on your setup, this may involve installing a new main panel, a sub-panel, or both.

When Do You Need One?

You may need a service upgrade if:

Your electrical panel is full or nearly full
Breakers trip when multiple loads are running
You’re adding a sauna, hot tub, pool, EV charger, or outdoor heaters
You’re finishing a basement or adding a suite
You’re planning long-term upgrades and want capacity now

If you’re tired of hearing “you don’t have the power for that,” this is usually the solution.

Cost of a Service Upgrade in British Columbia

At Kraken Electric, most residential service upgrades fall within the following range:

$3,500 – $8,000

Pricing depends on:

Overhead vs. underground service
Existing service condition and equipment
Distance to the property line
Whether trenching is required
Panel size and configuration

If the service is underground and the existing conduit is undersized or not code-compliant, a trench may be required to the property line. Kraken Electric handles the trenching as part of the project.

We also review whether load management, panel reconfiguration, or sub-panels can meet your needs before recommending a full service upgrade.

Permits and BC Hydro Coordination

A service upgrade requires:

An electrical permit
Coordination with BC Hydro

Once you reach out to Kraken Electric and we review your goals, we take over the process:

Permit application
BC Hydro service request
Scheduling and inspections

BC Hydro may contact you directly during the process. All communication and steps are clearly explained, with no hidden details.

How Long Does a Service Upgrade Take?

From the homeowner’s point of view:

Planning and approvals happen first
Once BC Hydro approves the service and sets a date, the on-site work is typically completed in one day

At Kraken Electric:

We plan the work so power is off for no more than 12 hours
If BC Hydro requires additional time, Kraken Electric provides a backup generator
You are never left without power options or communication

This ensures the upgrade is as smooth and predictable as possible.

How the Upgrade Is Installed

Whenever possible, we install the new service beside the existing one.

This allows:

Your home to remain powered while the new service is built
All equipment to be fully installed and inspected before cutover
One planned outage on the final day

Once BC Hydro completes the transfer, the old service is removed or decommissioned, and the new service becomes permanent.

After the Upgrade

With an upgraded service, you can:

Increase panel size
Add sub-panels
Install new circuits
Expand your home without electrical limitations

No more maxed-out panels or tripped breakers.

Bottom Line

A service upgrade in British Columbia is not as disruptive or complicated as most homeowners expect.

When you hire Kraken Electric, we manage the entire process — permits, BC Hydro coordination, scheduling, and execution — and we make sure you’re never left without power options.

If your home is ready to grow, your electrical service can be upgraded to match. Reach out to us for more information!

Getting an Electrical Service Upgrade in British Columbia: What You Need to Know