Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Ontario
An electrical panel upgrade in Ontario runs about 2,500 to 4,500 dollars for most homes. That is the headline number. The real cost depends on your service size, the panel location, and a few things the electrician finds once the cover comes off.
Here is what goes into the price, why most homes move to 200 amp service, and how to plan the work without surprises.
Typical Panel Upgrade Cost in Ontario
For most GTA homes, a panel upgrade falls in this range. A simple swap on the lower end. A full service change with new meter base, mast, and grounding on the higher end.
| Job | Typical Ontario cost |
|---|---|
| Panel only (same amperage) | 1,800 to 2,500 dollars |
| 100 amp to 200 amp upgrade | 2,500 to 4,500 dollars |
| Full service change (new mast and meter) | 4,500 to 6,500 dollars |
| ESA permit and inspection | included by your contractor |
Get a written quote based on a walkthrough. A contractor needs to see the panel, the service entrance, and the basement before quoting a real number.
What Drives the Price
Service Size
Moving from 100 amp to 200 amp is the most common upgrade. It costs more than a same size swap because the service drop, the meter base, and the mast may all need replacing. Most homes adding an EV charger, a heat pump, or a hot tub need this. See our EV charger guide for an example.
Panel Location and Access
A panel in an open basement is faster to replace than one buried behind drywall in a closet. Access drives labour, and labour drives the bottom line.
Existing Wiring Condition
If the electrician finds aluminum branch wiring or knob and tube during the upgrade, fixing the connections at the panel adds time. Our guides on aluminum wiring and knob and tube cover what may show up.
Permit and Inspection
The ESA permit and inspection are required for a panel upgrade in Ontario. A licensed contractor includes both in the quote. Treat any quote that omits the permit as a red flag.
Why Most Homes Move to 200 Amp
A 100 amp panel was enough for the loads a typical 1970s home carried. Today, an EV charger plus a heat pump plus a modern kitchen overwhelms it. A 200 amp service gives the headroom for those loads and the future ones. See our guide on signs you need a panel upgrade for the warning signs.
Why a Licensed Electrician Is Required
A panel upgrade is high voltage work tied directly to the utility service. Done wrong, it kills. The Electrical Safety Authority links 143 electrical related fatalities in Ontario between 2015 and 2024, and its 2024 Ontario Electrical Safety Report found that electrical fatalities outside of work rose 40 percent over the past decade.
Patience Cathcart, the ESA Public Safety Officer, said the findings show why safety has to reach beyond job sites, and that the agency stays focused on "educating the public, guiding industry."
In Ontario, the ESA states that a Licensed Electrical Contractor is the only business you can legally hire for this work. We handle panel upgrades through our residential electrical services.
Panel Upgrade Cost FAQ
How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel in Ontario?
Most 100 amp to 200 amp upgrades run 2,500 to 4,500 dollars including the panel, breakers, labour, and ESA permit. A full service change is higher.
Do I need a permit to upgrade my panel?
Yes. Ontario requires an ESA permit and inspection. Your licensed contractor pulls the permit and books the inspection.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
A typical 100 to 200 amp upgrade takes most of a day. A full service change with mast replacement can take longer and may need power off for several hours.
Can I upgrade my panel myself?
No. In Ontario, panel upgrades must be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Unlicensed work voids insurance and is unsafe.
Will a panel upgrade increase my home value?
It can. Buyers and inspectors flag old panels, and a documented 200 amp upgrade with ESA paperwork removes that concern at sale time.
The Bottom Line
A panel upgrade in Ontario typically runs 2,500 to 4,500 dollars for a 100 to 200 amp move, and the price reflects service size, access, and what the electrician finds on the inside. Get a written quote from a Licensed Electrical Contractor who includes the ESA permit.
Planning a panel upgrade?
Kolji Bros. Electrical quotes panel upgrades across the GTA, permit and inspection included. Call 1 866 565 5427 or request a free quote.