Panels and service
Panel and service upgrades
Adding an EV charger, heat pump, induction range or sauna can expose the limits of an older service. We run the load calculation first. If the existing service can carry the new load, we do not recommend a new panel just to sell one.
How the load calculation works
A load calculation adds up what the house uses now (lighting, appliances, heating and cooling) and what you plan to add, and compares it with the size of the service. The result tells you whether the new equipment fits as it is, fits with some changes, or needs more capacity.
The options, smallest first
- It fits. Add the circuit and leave the panel alone.
- It fits with management. A lower charger setting or a load-management device keeps the total under the limit.
- Replace the panel. When the panel is out of space, worn, or a fuse box.
- Upgrade the service. When the house needs more capacity from the utility. This is coordinated with your utility.
Working with your utility
- Burbank: Burbank Water and Power asks that you or your electrician call BWP Service Planning at (818) 238-3647 as soon as you know a new panel is needed, so BWP can check its side of the service.
- City of Los Angeles: LADWP asks customers to book a service assessment before installing an EV charger.
- Glendale and Pasadena: Glendale Water & Power and Pasadena Water and Power serve their own cities; service changes are coordinated with them directly.
Last reviewed: . Sources: Burbank Water and Power, Residential EV Charging Stations Rebate; LADWP Residential EV Charger Rebate Program. Programs change. Check the official page before you rely on an amount.
VoltGen Energy operates under Akopi Builders, CSLB #1112420. Electrical work is performed by licensed C-10 electrical contractors. Check the license at CSLB.
What the price depends on
- Panel size and whether the service itself changes, or only the panel.
- Meter location, and whether the meter or the service mast has to be replaced.
- Overhead or underground service.
- Your utility's requirements and its schedule for the disconnect and reconnect.
- Grounding and bonding that an older house may be missing.
You get a written estimate after a walk-through, before any work starts.
What to expect on cost: Electrical panel upgrade cost in Los Angeles.
Questions we get
Does a 100-amp service need to be upgraded?
Not automatically. Plenty of houses run well on 100 amps. It depends on what the house already uses and what you are adding. The load calculation answers it.
What is the difference between a panel upgrade and a service upgrade?
A panel upgrade replaces the breaker panel inside your property. A service upgrade increases the size of the connection from the utility, which usually means a new meter and main panel and work by the utility on its side. Some jobs need only the first.
Is there a rebate for a panel upgrade?
In Burbank, yes, when it is done with an EV charger: Burbank Water and Power pays an additional $750 (or $900 in a disadvantaged community) on top of the charger rebate. BWP does not pay the panel rebate without a charger rebate. Check your own utility's current rules before you rely on it.
What about old fuse boxes?
Fuse panels are replaced with a breaker panel, often as part of rewiring an older house. See our old-home rewiring page.
Not sure the panel can take it?
Send a photo of the panel label and the main breaker with your message, and tell us what you want to add.