Brockville & Eastern Ontario
Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Ontario
Straight answers on what a panel upgrade typically costs, what changes the price, and how to get an exact quote for your home.
The short answer
Most Ontario homeowners pay $2,500–$4,500 for a 100-amp panel replacement and $3,500–$6,500 to upgrade to 200-amp service — including the panel, breakers, labour, and the ESA permit and inspection. Every home is different, so the only exact number comes from an on-site quote.
Typical panel upgrade costs
Typical ranges we see in the Brockville and Eastern Ontario area. Your quote may be lower or higher depending on your home.
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fuse panel to breaker panel conversion | $2,000 – $4,000 | Common in older Brockville-area homes; often requested for insurance. |
| 100-amp panel replacement (like-for-like) | $2,500 – $4,500 | New panel and breakers; service size unchanged. |
| Upgrade to 200-amp service | $3,500 – $6,500 | Includes new panel, service entrance, meter base coordination with the utility. |
| 200-amp upgrade with mast / meter base replacement | $5,000 – $8,000+ | Needed when the service mast, riser, or meter base is damaged or undersized. |
What affects the price
- Service size — moving from 100A to 200A adds material and utility coordination.
- Condition of existing wiring — knob-and-tube or aluminum branch wiring can add work.
- Meter base, mast, and grounding — these sometimes need replacement at the same time.
- Panel location — finished basements or tight spaces take longer.
- Add-ons — whole-home surge protection, EV charger circuits, or generator interlocks.
Permits & ESA inspection
In Ontario, panel upgrades legally require a permit and inspection from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). As a licensed electrical contractor, we arrange the ESA permit and inspection for you — it’s included in every quote we give.
An ESA-inspected panel upgrade also protects your home insurance and resale value. You can verify any contractor’s licence on the ESA website.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about electrical panel upgrades in Ontario.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Ontario?
Most Ontario homeowners pay roughly $2,500–$4,500 for a 100-amp panel replacement and $3,500–$6,500 for a 200-amp service upgrade, including the panel, breakers, labour, and ESA permit. Final cost depends on your home's service size, wiring condition, and whether the meter base or mast also needs replacement.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in Ontario?
Yes. In Ontario, electrical panel work requires a permit and inspection from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Licensed electrical contractors arrange the ESA permit and inspection as part of the job — it's included in our quotes.
Should I upgrade from 100 amp to 200 amp service?
A 200-amp upgrade is usually recommended if you're adding an EV charger, hot tub, heat pump, or planning a renovation or addition. It also prepares older homes for future electrical demand and can be required by insurers on older fuse panels.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most panel replacements are completed in a single day. A 200-amp service upgrade can take a day or two, plus scheduling the utility disconnect/reconnect and the ESA inspection. Your power is typically off for several hours during the swap.
Will a panel upgrade lower my home insurance?
It can. Many insurers charge more — or refuse coverage — for homes with old fuse panels or knob-and-tube wiring. A new ESA-inspected breaker panel removes that concern, and some insurers offer better rates afterward. Check with your provider.
What are the signs my panel needs upgrading?
Common signs include frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights when appliances start, a fuse panel instead of breakers, rust or corrosion on the panel, a burning smell or warm panel cover, and not enough open breaker spaces for new circuits.
Can I upgrade my panel myself to save money?
No. In Ontario, panel work must be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) with an ESA permit. DIY panel work is dangerous, fails inspection, voids insurance, and can make your home unsellable until it's corrected.
Get an exact quote for your home
Free, no-obligation quotes for homeowners in Brockville, Prescott, Gananoque, Kemptville, Smiths Falls, and surrounding areas.