Service upgrades: the work past the meter.
A 'service upgrade' is bigger than a panel upgrade — it covers the service drop, meter, weatherhead, mast, and panel together. Done because the main panel work alone can't increase total capacity past the service-side bottleneck.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
A full electrical service upgrade covers everything from PG&E's transformer to your panel: service drop (PG&E), weatherhead, service mast, meter base, main panel, and grounding. It's the scope when you're going from 100A or 125A to 200A or 400A — not just swapping panels. PG&E coordination is involved (1-3 weeks for service-side work) and typical Marin cost runs $6,500-$14,500 for a full 200A residential service upgrade.
01What 'service upgrade' includes that 'panel upgrade' doesn't.
Service drop (PG&E side)
The cable from PG&E's pole to your weatherhead. Service drop is PG&E equipment but they may need to upgrade it if you're increasing amperage. PG&E does this work; we coordinate timing.
Weatherhead and service mast
The conduit and head where PG&E's drop attaches to your house. Often needs replacement during service upgrade — both for capacity and for code compliance with current AHJ requirements.
Meter base
The enclosure that holds PG&E's meter. Upgrading from 100A to 200A typically requires a new meter base rated for higher amperage. PG&E pulls the meter to allow this work; we replace the base.
Service-entrance conductors
The wires from meter base to main panel. Sized to match the new service amperage — going from 100A to 200A means heavier conductors here.
Main panel
Standard panel upgrade scope is part of the service upgrade. New 200A or 400A panel with appropriate breaker capacity.
Grounding and bonding system
Modern service requires specific grounding electrode system (typically a ground rod or two, plus connection to incoming water service if metallic). Older homes often need grounding system upgrade as part of service work.
02Why service upgrade costs more than panel upgrade.
A panel-only upgrade ($4,800-$8,500 typical) replaces the breaker panel while keeping the existing service-side equipment. Works when the home's existing service amperage is adequate but the panel itself needs replacement (failed breakers, FPE/Zinsco panel, slot exhaustion). Doesn't increase your home's total electrical capacity.
A full service upgrade ($6,500-$14,500 typical for 100A to 200A in Marin) replaces everything from weatherhead to panel. Done when you need to increase total capacity — adding major loads like EV charging, heat pump, additional ADU, or commercial-scale equipment that won't fit under the existing service rating. Cost difference vs panel-only reflects the additional equipment (weatherhead, mast, meter base, conductors) plus PG&E coordination time.
03PG&E coordination — what's involved.
Service upgrades require PG&E coordination because we're working on equipment they own (service drop, meter) and on the legal handoff between their equipment and yours. PG&E's residential service-upgrade process: we file an upgrade request, PG&E assigns a planner who reviews the request, planner approves the upgrade and schedules a meter pull date. Realistic timeline from request to meter pull: 1-3 weeks for typical residential work, longer during high-demand periods (post-PSPS, post-storm).
On the install day, the sequence is: PG&E arrives to pull the meter and disconnect the service drop, we complete the panel and service-entrance work (typically 6-10 hours), PG&E returns to reconnect the drop and re-meter, AHJ inspection follows. The home is without power for the duration of the install work — typically 8-12 hours total. We coordinate the schedule with you and the homeowner can usually arrange to be elsewhere during the work window.
Common questions.
Do I need a full service upgrade or just a panel upgrade?
Depends on whether your existing service amperage is adequate. If your panel passes the NEC load calc with current and planned future loads (with appropriate margin), panel-only upgrade is sufficient. If the load calc fails or barely passes, full service upgrade to higher amperage is the right answer. We run the load calc during the quote visit to make the determination — usually clear in 20-30 minutes whether you need panel-only or full service scope.
How much does a service upgrade cost in Marin?
For typical Marin 2026 residential service upgrades: $6,500-$10,500 for 100A or 125A to 200A upgrade (most common scope). $11,000-$18,000 for 200A to 400A upgrade (less common — typically homes adding multiple EVs plus heat pump plus ADU). Includes all service-side equipment (weatherhead, mast, meter base, conductors), new panel, PG&E coordination, permit, inspection, and labor. Variance drivers: service drop length, whether mast relocation is needed, specific AHJ requirements, and emergency vs scheduled work.
How long does the service upgrade process take?
From contract signature to powered-up: typically 2-4 weeks for typical Marin residential service upgrade. PG&E coordination is usually 1-3 weeks of that window. Install day itself is 8-12 hours (one working day) with the house powered off during work. AHJ inspection typically same week as install. We share specific timeline at quote signing and update at each PG&E milestone.
Will I lose power for a long time during the upgrade?
On install day, yes — typically 8-12 hours without power while we replace the service-entrance equipment. We schedule install for a day that works for your household (often a weekday so we can complete the work in normal daylight hours, sometimes Saturday for households where weekday outage is harder). For refrigerator/freezer concerns, we can coordinate temporary power for critical loads or recommend timing that minimizes inventory impact. Power restoration happens by end of business day on install day.
What's the difference between 200A and 400A service?
200A service is the standard for most modern Marin homes — handles typical residential loads plus EV charging plus heat pump plus reasonable future additions. 400A service is for homes with major load profiles: multiple EVs, large heat pump, ADU with full kitchen, electric range plus electric dryer plus electric water heater, shop equipment, or some combination. We see 400A service most often in larger Marin homes (3,500+ sq ft) with aggressive electrification plans. For most single-family homes, 200A is the right answer; 400A is over-spec and adds significant cost for capacity that won't be used.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.