Underground Service Upgrades: 100 Amp to 200 Amp
Upgrading an underground electrical service from 100 amp to 200 amp is the most variable job we quote, and the $10,000 to $30,000 range is wide for real reasons. 5 Star Electrical Services is a licensed C-10 electrical contractor, license #973698, bonded and insured, serving San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County. The cost depends on whether PG&E requires new underground conduit, whether they need to upgrade a transformer, whether they charge for the service wire, and what sits on top of the existing conduit run. Call (805) 215-4503.
What Drives the Cost
Asphalt, concrete, landscaping and structures over the existing conduit run all change the work. Every property is different. The single biggest variable is the conduit: in some cases PG&E will approve the upgrade using the existing conduit, which saves a significant amount of money. In others, new conduit is required, and that is where the high end of the range comes from. There are also cases where obstacles in the path of a new conduit run add cost beyond the conduit itself.
Finding Out Which: The Exploratory
There is no way to tell from the surface whether existing conduit is viable. During the PG&E application process we perform an exploratory, about $4,500, to find out. We expose the conduit, photograph it, and submit the documentation to the PG&E engineer. The engineer then determines whether new conduit is required or the existing run can be reused. That single decision changes the final price significantly, which is why we do not quote a firm number before it.
The PG&E Timeline
Plan on three to six months from application to energized service. That is PG&E's scheduling, not our crew availability. The panel work itself is a one-day job with the power off for roughly eight hours. If you are upgrading service ahead of a remodel, an EV charger, a heat pump or an ADU, start the PG&E application early — it is almost always the longest item on the schedule.
What the Job Includes
Load calculation and equipment sizing. The exploratory and PG&E application. The permit through your city or county. Coordination with PG&E for the service disconnect and reconnect. The conduit and service conductors. The new meter main and panel, breakers, grounding and bonding to current code. Every breaker labeled. The final inspection. Every job is quoted as a flat price in writing before work begins. There are no trip or mileage charges anywhere in our service area.
Before You Commit — You May Not Need This
If the only reason you are considering a service upgrade is to add an EV charger, load management can often avoid it entirely. A load-managing charger installed runs $3,300 to $5,300. Start with a $150 load assessment and find out before anybody quotes you a $20,000 job.
Why is the price range for an underground service upgrade so wide?
Because the variables are real. The cost depends on whether PG&E requires new underground conduit, whether a transformer needs upgrading, whether PG&E charges for the service wire, and what sits over the existing conduit run — asphalt, concrete, landscaping or structures. Until the conduit is inspected, a firm number would be a guess.
Can I upgrade to 200 amp without new underground conduit?
Sometimes. PG&E will approve some upgrades using the existing conduit, which saves a significant amount of money. It depends on the condition and capacity of what is already in the ground, and the PG&E engineer makes that call after reviewing documentation we submit.
What is an exploratory and why does it cost about $4,500?
An exploratory determines whether your existing underground conduit can be reused. We expose the conduit, photograph it, and submit the documentation to the PG&E engineer during the application process. It requires excavation and restoration, which is where the cost comes from.
How long does a PG&E service upgrade take?
Three to six months from application to energized service. That is PG&E's scheduling rather than our crew availability. The panel work itself is one day.