The typical range
For a single-family home in the GTA where the meter and panel stay in the same place, a 100 A to 200 A service upgrade typically costs $3,500 – $5,500 including the ESA permit. Jobs that need a new service mast, an underground service entrance, or a relocated panel commonly run $5,500 – $8,000.
What drives the price
1. What's on the outside of the house
If your existing meter base and mast can't carry 200 A, they're replaced. Overhead services may need a taller or heavier mast; underground services may need a new conduit run. This is the biggest swing factor.
2. Where the panel lives
Panels in bathrooms, closets or stairwells often don't meet today's clearance rules and have to move. Relocation means extending every circuit to the new location.
3. How many circuits — and their condition
A 40-circuit panel takes longer to re-terminate than a 16-circuit one. If we find knob and tube, aluminum wiring or DIY splices during the swap, they need dealing with before the inspection.
4. Code updates on re-terminated circuits
Some circuits will need AFCI or GFCI protection under the current code. Those breakers cost more than standard ones.
5. The utility's side
Toronto Hydro, Alectra and Oakville Hydro handle the disconnect and reconnect. If they need to upgrade their drop or lateral, there may be a separate utility charge and a longer lead time.
The steps, in order
- Site visit and load calculation
- Written quote and booking
- ESA notification filed by your contractor
- Utility disconnect/reconnect booked (often 1–3 weeks out)
- Upgrade day: power off, swap, test
- ESA inspection and connection authorization → utility restores power
- Certificate of Acceptance issued
How to compare two quotes
- Is the permit included? If not, ask why.
- Is the meter base / mast included, or is that an "if required" extra?
- How many spaces does the new panel have? A 40-space panel costs a little more and saves you a sub-panel later.
- AFCI/GFCI breakers — are they priced in, or a surprise on the day?
- Licence number. Every Licensed Electrical Contractor in Ontario has an ECRA/ESA licence number. You can verify it on ESA's website.
Do you actually need 200 A? If you're only adding an EV charger, an energy management system can sometimes avoid the upgrade entirely. Try the load meter on our home page for a rough read.
