Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

A complete electrical service upgrade typically includes:

Most often, if a homeowner is upgrading their panel with us, we will use the common maximum panel size which is 200A in Colorado.

As of 2026, code requirements for electrical panel upgrades include:

To determine the size of your current electrical panel, locate the main breaker, which is usually the largest breaker in the panel. The amperage rating of the main breaker indicates the panel size. Common residential panel sizes include 60A, 100A, 125A, 150A, and 200A.

The cost of upgrading from a 100-amp to a 200-amp panel varies depending on the age and condition of your home's existing electrical system, panel location, and permitting and inspection fees. Homeowners can expect to pay between $4,240 and $6,695 for a complete 100 to 200-amp panel upgrade.

This cost typically includes:

Costs may be higher if your home requires additional work, such as upgrading the meter base, replacing the main service cable, or bringing other aspects of your electrical system up to current codes. In some cases, the utility company may need to upgrade their equipment, which can add to the overall cost and timeline.

During an electrical panel upgrade, power is usually out for 5 to 8 hours on the day of installation. In some cases, the electrician may be able to work around critical circuits to minimize disruption, but plan for a full day without power. If you have critical electrical needs, such as medical equipment or work-from-home requirements, discuss these with your electrician in advance so they can plan accordingly.

Installing a subpanel can be an alternative to a full electrical panel upgrade in certain situations. A subpanel is a smaller electrical panel fed by the main panel, used to expand the number of circuits in a specific area, such as a garage, workshop, or addition.

The cost of a subpanel installation ranges from $1,800 to $3,000+, including permitting and labor for a 50-100A subpanel. This can be a more cost-effective solution than a full panel upgrade when:

A subpanel may not be the right solution if your main panel is outdated, in poor condition, or undersized for your home's electrical needs. In those cases, a full electrical panel upgrade is necessary to ensure safety and reliability.

Upgrading from a 200A to a 400A electrical service is a complex and expensive process, particularly for residential homes. The cost associated with such an upgrade can add $10,600 to $15,450 to the project at a minimum in Colorado. This type of upgrade is more common in commercial settings or new construction and is costly to do for existing single-family homes due to the complexity involved.

To complete a 200A to 320-400A upgrade, the following steps are required:

• Engineering and design work to ensure the new service meets all applicable codes and standards
• Separate applications and approvals from the utility company, which may require a load calculation and justification for the increased service size
• Significant changes to the utility company's transformers, lines, and distribution infrastructure to accommodate the higher amperage

The utility company will require the customer to justify the need for the increased capacity and may ask them to pay for some or all of the costs associated with the necessary infrastructure upgrades. In residential settings, 320 or 400A services are usually installed in ultra-large homes at the time of new construction, where the electrical demands are high enough to warrant the additional capacity. New ADUs, units, or rentals built on existing property often get a second line of service with a maximum capacity of 200A.

While it is possible to upgrade existing houses to 400A, it is rare and very costly for residential homeowners in Colorado. The process involves more than typical electrical work - in most cases, homeowners will need to work with an electrical engineer and the utility company to develop a plan and obtain the necessary approvals. Approvals and utility applications may take up to 18 months or more. Most 400A (or similarly sized) equipment has lead times exceeding 4 to 24 months.

If you're building an ADU, a mother-in-law suite, an addition, or a rental on your existing property, the process for obtaining a second line of electrical service is easier, but just as lengthy. We recommend starting this process as soon as the project's planning begins.

Electrical panel upgrades are a necessary part of home electrification, whether you're adding a heat pump, preparing for an EV charger, or bringing an aging panel up to code. Our licensed electricians handle all permitting, Xcel coordination, and inspection scheduling in-house.

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