200 amp upgrade Calgary: Costs, Timeline & Permits
If you own a Calgary home with a 60 or 100 amp electrical service, chances are you’ve run into flickering lights, tripping breakers, or you’ve been told you’ll need more power for an EV charger or solar system. That’s where a 200 amp upgrade Calgary homeowners rely on comes in. It’s the industry standard for modern houses, but most people still ask the same first question: how much does it actually cost in Calgary?
As tradesmen who’ve been upgrading panels in Calgary since 2013, we’ll break it down clearly — from real-world costs to timelines, permits, and what to expect along the way.
Average 200 Amp Upgrade Calgary Cost
The short answer: most Calgary homeowners spend $5,000 to $6,000 for a standard overhead 200 amp upgrade. That includes the new service mast, panel, breakers, permits, inspection, and all labour.
For underground-fed homes, costs depend on whether the service cable is already rated for 200 amps:
| Item | Typical Range (CAD) | Notes |
| Typical overhead 200A panel upgrade | $5,000 – $6,000 | Includes mast, panel, breakers, permits, inspection |
| Underground-fed home with 200A cable at meter | $5,000 – $6,000 | Includes new panel, breakers, permits, inspection |
| Underground-fed home without 200A cable at meter | $7,000 – $10,000 | Requires new service conductor to property line |
| Utility company portion | $1,000 – $10,000+ | ENMAX or Fortis Alberta fees depend on transformer distance & conditions |
How Long Does a 200 Amp Upgrade Calgary Take?
For most Calgary homes, the physical upgrade takes 1–2 days once everything is lined up, with power being out only one of the days. Here’s the usual sequence:
- Site visit & estimate – electrician confirms requirements.
- Permit application – filed with the City of Calgary or local municipality.
- Utility scheduling – ENMAX or Fortis Alberta arranges shut-off and inspection.
- Upgrade day – 6–8 hours of power outage while the new panel, mast, and wiring are installed.
- Inspection – City or utility signs off before power is restored.
Permits and Requirements in Calgary
Upgrading to 200 amps isn’t a DIY project, it’s tightly regulated for safety.
- Electrical Permit: Always required. In Calgary, permits are obtained through the City. Surrounding areas fall under municipal districts.
- Utility Coordination: ENMAX (inside Calgary) or Fortis Alberta (outside city) must approve before work starts.
- Code Compliance: All work must meet the Canadian Electrical Code and Alberta Building Code.
Important: Only a licensed electrician can pull permits in Alberta. DIY is not permitted.
Signs You May Need a 200 Amp Upgrade Calgary
- Breakers tripping often.
- Lights dimming when appliances kick on.
- Planning to add central AC, hot tub, or EV charger.
- Considering solar or heat pumps.
- Living with an older 60A or 100A panel.
What Affects the Price of a 200 Amp Upgrade Calgary?
Condition of Your Existing Panel
A newer, code-compliant panel in decent shape is cheaper to replace. Older panels with corrosion, aluminum wiring, or unsafe modifications increase costs.
Location of Your Service
Detached homes with easy access typically sit at the lower end. Properties where the meter base or mast needs relocation add labour and material costs.
Utility Coordination (ENMAX / FortisAlberta)
Every 200 amp upgrade requires coordination with the local utility. If you’re in Calgary city limits, ENMAX handles it; outside, it’s usually Fortis Alberta. Their scheduling, inspections, and distance to transformers directly affect both timeline and cost.
Future Needs (EVs, Solar, Heat Pumps)
Planning for the future is smart. If you intend to add an EV charger, solar panels, or a heat pump, a 200A upgrade is almost always required. Doing it now saves you from repeat permit and labour charges later.
Cost Differences by Home Type in Calgary
- Overhead fed Homes: Most common scenario. Costs fall in the $5,000–$6,000 range if overhead-fed or if underground feed is already 200A capable.
- Underground fed Homes without 200 amps: These require coordination with utility company to upgrade the underground conductor. This can add $10,000 + to the project.
- Rural Properties: Homes outside city limits often sit further from transformers. This can result in utility charges of $5,000+ just for trenching or extending service.
200 Amp vs 100 Amp Service – Which Do You Need?
Here’s a quick comparison to show why many Calgary homeowners are upgrading:
| Service Size | Typical Capacity | Common Uses | Limitations |
| 60A | ~14 kW | Older homes, minimal appliances | Not enough for modern homes |
| 100A | ~24 kW | Small to mid-sized homes | Limited for EVs, hot tubs, heat pumps |
| 200A | ~48 kW | Standard for modern homes | Supports EV chargers, solar, AC, future loads |
Bottom line: If you’re planning long-term, 200 amps is the safe choice especially if increasing the load is a possibility.
Real Calgary Example : 200 Amp Upgrade Calgary
Just last month, a family in Springbank Calgary upgraded from a 100A service to 200A to support an EV charger and solar panel installation.
- 200 Amp Upgrade Calgary: $4,200
- Solar Installation Cost: $34,000
- Installation Duration: 5 day for installation.
Result: EV charger installed and the car is now being charged of the sun
FAQs About 200 Amp Upgrades in Calgary
Yes. Permits are mandatory, and utility approval is part of the process. This is included in our scope of work.
Yes. You’ll have no power for most of the day, but the house remains safe to occupy.
It improves resale value, ensures compliance with modern code, and supports upgrades like EV chargers, hot tubs, and solar.
Yes, for most Calgary single-family homes. Larger multi-suite properties may require 400A or multiple panels.
Some insurers will not cover homes with outdated 60A or unsafe panels (like Federal Pacific). A 200A upgrade helps secure coverage.
No, it won’t reduce usage. But it prevents overloaded circuits, which can damage appliances and increase costs in other ways.
Ready for a 200 amp Upgrade Calgary?
At Panel Upgrade Experts, we’ve been upgrading Calgary homes since 2013. We’re Tesla-certified electricians, BBB A+ rated, and proud members of the CEIP program.
Request a Free Calgary Estimate today