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First, know which upgrade you're buying
A “panel upgrade” can mean three different jobs, and comparing their prices as if they're identical leads to expensive surprises.
| Type of work | What changes | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Panel replacement | Breaker panel replaced, service capacity generally unchanged | Can address ageing equipment without giving the house more power |
| Service upgrade | Panel and service equipment upgraded, often 100A to 200A | Supports higher calculated demand if required |
| Subpanel | Extra distribution space supplied from an existing system | Adds breaker positions, not extra utility capacity |
If your quote says “200-amp panel” but not “200-amp electrical service,” ask for clarification. A 200A-labelled panel does not by itself mean the property has a 200A supply.
What does a 100A-to-200A upgrade cost?
Recent published Ontario contractor guides offer a useful starting point, not a firm local rate.
- Standard 100A-to-200A upgrade: roughly $2,800–$5,500 in published examples.
- Same-capacity panel replacement: often $1,800–$3,500 in published examples.
- Complex service relocation, trenching or substantial meter/mast work: may push the total higher.
These ranges reflect other Ontario markets and varying inclusions. Taxes, wall repairs and utility work can change the total. The only meaningful comparison is a written scope for your actual property.
Local pricing note: Ask Great Lakes Electric for a site-specific Sarnia/Lambton County estimate. A “from” price without service details is not a useful project budget.
Six things that move the quote
1. The condition of the existing service
An old breaker panel may be the visible problem. The outside meter base, mast, conductors and grounding/bonding are another part of the job. A service upgrade can involve more than one piece of equipment.
2. Overhead versus underground power
An overhead service may need mast or attachment work. An underground service may involve conduit, trenching or utility coordination. Neither is automatically cheaper in every house.
3. Where the panel is located
If the existing panel stays in an acceptable location, work is simpler. A relocation can mean extending circuits, opening walls and making good after the electrical work.
4. Existing wiring condition
A panel swap is not a full-home rewiring project. But an electrician may find deficiencies that affect the safe completion of the intended work. Ask for any additional items to be itemised.
5. The new loads you're planning
EV charging, hot tubs, electric heating and kitchen upgrades can change the load calculation. The electrician should size the work for the property's actual demand, not simply install the largest panel available.
6. Notification, inspection and utility arrangements
Most electrical work requires an ESA notification. If the utility must disconnect and reconnect the service, coordination matters. Ask who books it and what is included.
Do you actually need 200 amps?
Not necessarily. A properly completed load calculation is the place to start.
A house with 100A service may be adequate for its current loads. Another house with the same service may need more capacity because of heating, EV charging or other equipment. Energy management may be an alternative for some new loads.
If the reason for your upgrade is an EV charger, read whether a 200-amp panel is required before committing to a service change.
The quote checklist: get these answers in writing
- Does the price cover a panel replacement, a full service upgrade, or both?
- Is a new meter base, mast or service cable included if required?
- Are ESA notification, inspection coordination and utility scheduling included?
- What happens if hidden deficiencies are found?
- Is patching or restoration excluded?
- How long will the power be off, and who confirms the date?
Sarnia homeowner example: two very different jobs
House A: modern wiring, accessible panel, adequate existing service. A replacement may be straightforward.
House B: older service, congested panel area, a planned EV charger and an outdoor meter that needs replacement. That is a different project even if both homeowners ask for “a new panel.”
Neither scenario is a real Great Lakes Electric job or estimate; they're examples showing why you shouldn't buy on the headline price.
What I'd do next
Photograph the panel with the door closed, take a photo of the meter from a safe distance and write down planned new appliances. Never remove the electrical panel cover yourself.
Then request a scoped estimate for electrical panel upgrades in Sarnia. Great Lakes Electric can discuss whether your project needs a replacement, a service-capacity change or neither.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 200-amp panel worth it?
It can be, if the load calculation and planned equipment justify it. Don't pay for a service upgrade simply because 200A sounds more future-proof.
Can I add a subpanel instead of upgrading the service?
A subpanel adds circuit positions but does not increase the amount of power the utility service can safely supply.
Is an ESA notification needed?
Almost all electrical work requires an ESA notification. The contractor performing the work normally files it and arranges the required review.
How long does the power need to be off?
It depends on the scope and utility schedule. Request the planned outage window in your written estimate.
Sources & further reading
Official Ontario safety guidance and, where applicable, published market-price examples. Pricing is not a Great Lakes Electric quotation.