2023 cost to upgrade an electrical panel in Calgary
A lot of homeowners around Calgary ask us straight up “what’s the cost to upgrade an electrical panel?” Truth is, it’s one of the most common jobs we do. Older 60 or 100 amp panels were fine years back, but once you add a hot tub, an EV charger, or think about solar, that old setup just can’t keep up. Upgrading isn’t just about more breakers, it’s about keeping the place safe and ready for what you’re running now and what you might add down the road. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to price and what usually drives the numbers up or down.
Knowing that electrical panels just like all mechanical don’t last forever. Electrical panels should be replaced every twenty to thirty years, so if you fall outside this bracket, you will almost certainly need to upgrade them. However, while age is a significant factor in panel replacement, it isn’t the only one.
If you notice:
- Flickering lights or sparks on your power outlets
- A distinct burning odor or warmth around your panel
- Or small electric shocks when touching appliances
These are all signs of faulty wiring, one of the most common causes of house fires in Canada, which can be vastly reduced by upgrading your electrical panel.
You will probably have to update your electrical panel if you put in a major new device like a hot tub or an air conditioner, or an electric vehicle charger. If you discover that you have a lot of power strips and extension cords in your home, it implies that the amount of energy used has exceeded the capacity of your residence.
So, what is the cost to upgrade from 60 to 100 amp electrical panel in Canada? Upgrading your electrical panel from 60 to 100A (or even 200A) can vary on several factors, let’s look at the cost to upgrade an Electrical Panel in more detail.
Factors that affect the cost to your upgrade an Electrical Panel in Calgary
When you search for “cost to upgrade an electrical panel” you’ll notice that the price range is quite broad. Many aspects influence the final cost of panel installation and upgrading. The following is a rundown of all the elements that influence pricing you may not have been aware of.
Circuit Breaker Type
A circuit breaker is a safety device that prevents too much current from flowing through a cable, which may result in overheating and electrical fires. Single-pole and double-pole circuit breakers are the two most common types. The key distinction between them is their power capacity.
- Single-pole breakers can deliver up to 20 amps and 120 volts, making them ideal for general household lighting circuits.
- Double-pole breakers can supply up to 60 amps and 240 volts to most electrical outlets for your high-power appliances, such as air conditioners, electric ranges, hairdryers, and other electronics.
You will need to determine which breaker best suits your needs based on your power usage.
Electrical Panel Brand
There are several brands on the market, and the higher the quality, the more you’ll have to pay. When it comes to replacing your home’s main electrical panels, look for an established manufacturer like Schneider Electric that has been producing electrical components for years. The price may be a little more expensive, but you will get years of service and protection in return.
Increasing the Amps
Today’s households require considerably more electricity. They have television sets in each room and use laptops and other domestic electrical equipment that our houses were not built to handle. If you want to install appliances requiring higher amps, you may need to upgrade your system to avoid overloads and tripping. Consider the number of amps required to power your house, just like a circuit breaker. More amperage means more electricity in your home.
Moving the Electrical Panel
You can move electrical panels to meet your demands, it will cost more in labor and wiring and will take more time to remove and replace the breaker box, as well as extend wires where necessary but may be necessary for your specific set up.
Labor Cost
The cost of your Calgary electrician’s work depends on the system type you choose to install and the current model characteristics. You will pay for the complexity of the task they need to perform and the time required to replace your electrical panel.
How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel in Calgary in 2023? (2025 Updated)
The overall cost of electrical panel replacement or upgrade is determined by a variety of factors, so the costs may differ significantly. If your electrical service is in good working order and you’re planning to renovate a 100 amp electrical system, you’ll want to set aside between $3000 and $3500.
For a 200 amp electrical panel upgrade, you’ll have to spend between $5000 and $6000, if you have an overhead electrical service. If your electrical services are fed underground, then costs start at about $7000 and up.
Cost to upgrade an electrical panel – 2025 Panel Upgrade Pricing Chart
| Upgrade Type | Typical Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100A panel upgrade | $3,000 – $3,500 | Straight swap, overhead or underground service |
| 200A panel upgrade | $5,000 – $6,000 | Overhead service |
| 200A panel upgrade (underground) | $7,000+ | Requires trenching/conduit |
| Utility company portion | $1,000 – $10,000+ | ENMAX/Fortis fees |
Why Do People Upgrade Their Electrical Panel?
We get called for panel upgrades all the time in Calgary, and it usually comes down to one of a few reasons:
Renovations – If you’re tearing into a basement, adding a suite, or redoing a kitchen, chances are the old panel doesn’t have the space or the juice to handle it.
Bigger electrical loads – Hot tubs, air conditioners, or EV chargers all need more capacity than those older 60 or 100 amp services can handle. A 200A panel is the standard now if you want room to grow.
Adding solar – With Alberta’s microgeneration rules, solar needs a properly rated panel to tie into. If you’re thinking solar down the road, doing the panel first saves headaches.
Insurance and safety – Some insurers won’t cover homes with outdated panels (like old Federal Pacific or Zinsco equipment). Upgrading keeps you in compliance with today’s Canadian Electrical Code and avoids nasty surprises with coverage.
Future-proofing – Even if you don’t have a big new load today, upgrading before you run into problems puts you ahead of the curve. No one likes tripping breakers every time the dryer and oven run together.
What costs are included when upgrading an electrical panel in Calgary?
When you upgrade, the price isn’t just the new box on the wall. You’re paying for the panel itself, breakers, wiring adjustments, labour, permits, and the city inspection. If it’s a 200 amp service, you’ll also need a new mast and meter base. On top of that, ENMAX or Fortis Alberta sometimes add their own fees for disconnects or upgrades on their end. That’s why you’ll see ranges instead of one hard number.
Old panels aren’t just inconvenient, some are flat-out unsafe. Federal Pacific and Zinsco gear, for example, are notorious for not tripping when they should. Insurers know this and many won’t cover a house that still has one. Even if your insurer does, you may pay higher premiums. A modern panel not only keeps your home safe but also keeps your insurance company happy.
A properly installed panel should last 25–30 years, sometimes longer. The metal box itself doesn’t wear out quickly, but codes change, and new loads (like EV chargers) keep showing up. Most homeowners who go to 200 amps today won’t need to touch it again unless they add something huge, like a full secondary suite or major addition.
Yes, buyers want to see that the home is safe and ready for modern living. A 200 amp panel is a big selling point if you’ve got extras like a hot tub, air conditioning, or solar ready to tie in. It won’t magically add $20,000 to the sale price, but it makes the house easier to insure, easier to finance, and a lot more attractive to the next owner.
For most homes it’s a one-day job, maybe two if we’re coordinating with the utility or trenching underground cable. Expect your power to be off for six to eight hours while the new panel goes in. Permits and utility approval can add another week or two of lead time.
Yes. Some homeowners roll it into a reno loan or HELOC. In Calgary, you may also qualify under CEIP (Clean Energy Improvement Program) if the upgrade ties into energy efficiency work like solar. Financing helps spread the cost so you don’t have to pay it all at once.
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