What Is a Service Upgrade, and When Do You Need One?
A Service Upgrade is any job where we upgrade or alter the service mast, meter socket, or service conductors. If we’re only swapping out the electrical panel itself, that’s considered a Panel Upgrade, which we cover on our dedicated page: Electrical Panel Upgrades in Calgary.
For more details on permitting and timelines, visit our Electrical Service Upgrades in Calgary page.
In Calgary, electrical service upgrades are one of the most common residential electrical projects, especially in older neighbourhoods like Bowness, Mount Pleasant, and Glenbrook where 60-amp or 100-amp services are still common.
You’ll typically need a service upgrade for one of three reasons:
1. You Need More Power
If you’re adding new appliances, air conditioning, EV charging, or completing a large renovation, your home may need more amperage.
Older Calgary homes often still have 60-amp or 100-amp services, we’ve even seen some as small as 30 amps!
Modern homes generally require a minimum of 100 amps but many of our Calgary customers need 200 amps to handle their electrical loads safely.
Upgrading from 60 or 100 amps to 200 amps gives you the capacity for high-demand equipment like large electric ranges, dryers, heat pumps, and garages with EV chargers or workshops.
2. You Want to Move or Relocate the Service
One of the most common projects we handle is relocating the electrical service. A popular choice is moving the service and meter to a detached garage. This setup involves installing a new meter, panel, service conductors, and grounding on the garage, then running a feeder line underground to the house.
This approach offers several advantages:
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Provides ample power to the garage for EVs, tools, or workshops
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Removes overhead wires from your yard — improving appearance and safety around hot tubs and pools
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Creates better clearance and allows for future landscaping or expansions
In some cases, a service move is required if you’re extending or renovating your home. The electrical meter must always be mounted on the outside of the building, so if an addition blocks the current location, it must be moved.
3. The Service Is Damaged
Storms, falling trees, or accidental impacts can damage overhead service masts and conductors. Underground service cables can also fail or be damaged by construction work or ground shifting. In these situations, repairing or replacing the entire service is often the safest solution.
| Reason for Upgrade | Typical Scenario | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Power Demand | Adding EV charger, air conditioning, or heat pump | Upgrade from 100A to 200A for higher load capacity |
| Relocating Meter or Service | Moving to detached garage or new exterior wall | Improves aesthetics, clears space for home additions |
| Damaged or Unsafe Service | Storm or tree damage, corroded service conductors | Requires full service mast and meter base replacement |
| Insurance Requirement | Outdated fuse box or undersized service | Insurers may require 100A or 200A minimum rating |
Average Cost to Upgrade Electrical Service in Calgary
Quick Summary:
In Calgary, most electrical service upgrades cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
Overhead upgrades are the most affordable, while underground and detached-garage relocations cost more due to trenching and ENMAX connection fees.
| Type of Upgrade | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 60A / 100A to 200A (Overhead) | $5,000 – $6,000 | Includes mast, meter base, conductors, grounding |
| Service Relocation (Same Building) | $3,500 – $6,500 | Moving meter or service to a new exterior wall |
| Service Relocation to Detached Garage | $6,000 – $10,000 | Power to both house and garage, removes overhead lines |
| Underground Service Upgrade | $6,000 – $10,000+ | ENMAX fees additional ($3,500 – $10K+ depending on transformer distance) |
The cost of upgrading electrical service depends on several factors, including whether your service is overhead or underground, how far your main panel is from the meter, and whether you’re relocating or adding new equipment.
Below are typical price ranges based on recent projects in Calgary:
1. Upgrading 60 or 100 Amps to 200 Amps (Overhead)
For most older homes with overhead power lines, upgrading from 60 or 100 amps to 200 amps costs between $5,000 and $6,000.
This includes the new mast, meter base, service conductors, main breaker panel, grounding system, and required permits.
2. Relocating an Existing Service
If you’re moving your service to a different exterior wall or side of your home, costs typically range from $3,500 to $6,500.
This depends on the complexity of the move, whether a new panel is required, and the distance to the utility connection.
3. Relocating the Service to a Detached Garage
When the meter and main panel are moved to a detached garage and the house is fed underground, expect costs between $6,000 and $10,000.
This option provides full power to both buildings and removes the overhead lines entirely — perfect for homeowners adding EV chargers or upgrading backyard spaces.
4. Underground Service Upgrades
If your home is already fed underground, or if you’re converting from overhead to underground, costs start around $6,000 and can reach $10,000 or more depending on trenching, conduit length, and access.
In addition, ENMAX charges separate utility connection fees, which typically start at around $3,500 but can reach into the tens of thousands for complex properties.
The final cost depends on the location of the nearest transformer and the size of conductors required for the connection.
Other Cost Factors to Consider
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Trenching: Required for underground feeds or garage relocations. Costs vary based on soil conditions, distance, and obstacles like driveways or patios.
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Season and Ground Conditions: Winter installations may require additional equipment or time for frozen ground.
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Utility Coordination: Upgrades must be scheduled with ENMAX to disconnect and reconnect power. This adds minor administrative time but ensures safe completion.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Service
A modern 200-amp service provides more than just power, it future proofs your home.
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Safety: Replaces aging or damaged components that may no longer meet code.
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Capacity: Handles EV chargers, air conditioning, and major renovations with ease.
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Property Value: Modernized services increase resale appeal and may even lower insurance premiums.
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Aesthetics: Removing overhead wires can dramatically improve curb appeal.
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Future Compatibility: Prepares your home for solar panels, energy storage, and electric heating systems.
Request a Free Service Upgrade Quote
If you’re unsure whether your home needs a service upgrade or a panel replacement, we’ll help you determine the right solution.
Our licensed Calgary electricians have years of experience upgrading both overhead and underground services across the city.
Visit our contact page to book your free quote, or explore our electrical panel upgrade page for more information on panel replacements.
A licensed Calgary electrician can evaluate your home’s service size, meter setup, and utility connection to determine whether a full service upgrade or simple panel replacement is required.
If you’re unsure where to start, our team at Panel Upgrade Experts can help. We’ve upgraded hundreds of overhead and underground services across Calgary, safely, efficiently, and to code. Contact us today for a free estimate or explore our Electrical Panel Upgrade page to learn more.