The utility side
PG&E Service Upgrade to 200 Amps: How It Works
If your new panel needs more power than PG&E's equipment delivers, PG&E runs its own process: an application, a load assessment of up to 30 days, design and an estimate if its equipment must change, an advance of up to $5,000 for a single-family home, its own work, then reconnection, typically within one day.
Step by step
The seven steps, and who does each
From PG&E's own panel upgrade roadmap. The tags show who owns each step.
- Electrician
Load calculation and application
Your electrician sizes the new service and submits a request through PG&E's Your Projects portal (or you do). PG&E's Building and Renovation Services line is 877-743-7782.
- PG&E
Load assessment
PG&E checks whether its transformer, service drop or underground lateral can carry the new load. PG&E says this takes up to 30 days.
- PG&E
Design and estimate
If PG&E equipment has to change, it designs the work and sends an estimate.
- You
Contract and advance
You sign PG&E's scope of work. For a single-family home the advance can be up to $5,000, refunded or credited toward any balance owed.
- PG&E
Utility-side work
PG&E does the work outside your home and handles permits for its own infrastructure.
- City or County
Panel install and inspection
Your electrician installs the new panel under your permit; the city or County inspects it.
- PG&E
Reconnect
PG&E disconnects and reconnects power, typically within one day.
Overhead vs underground service
Look at how power reaches your house: wires from a pole to a mast on the roof or wall, or nothing visible, meaning an underground lateral.
| Overhead service | Underground service | |
|---|---|---|
| What PG&E owns | The service drop wires from the pole | The lateral in the ground to your meter |
| What often changes on your side | Mast or weatherhead, meter-main, service entrance wire | Meter-main, conduit and conductors; sometimes trenching |
| Typical upgrade cost | $3,000–$8,000+ | $20,000+ |
| Source | East Bay Electric, citing PG&E | East Bay Electric, citing PG&E |
Your electrician's job
- Load calculation and service size
- Your city or County electrical permit
- The PG&E request, if you agree they file it
- New panel, meter socket or meter-main, grounding and bonding
- Scheduling the inspection and coordinating reconnection
PG&E's job
- Load assessment of its equipment
- Design and estimate if its equipment must change
- The service drop, underground lateral or transformer
- Permits for its own infrastructure
- Disconnecting, setting the meter and re-energizing
PG&E service upgrade questions
How long does a PG&E service upgrade take?
PG&E doesn't publish a total timeline. Its load assessment alone can take up to 30 days, design and contract add time when its equipment must change, and reconnection typically happens within one day after the work is done and inspected. Plan in weeks, not days.
Who pays for the PG&E side?
PG&E may ask for an advance, up to $5,000 for a single-family home, refunded or credited toward any balance owed. You pay for the wiring and permits on your side.
Do I need a new meter?
The meter belongs to PG&E. The meter socket or meter-main enclosure is your equipment, and it is usually replaced in a 200A upgrade. PG&E sets the meter when it reconnects.
Can my electrician deal with PG&E for me?
Yes. Either you or your contractor can submit the request through PG&E's Your Projects portal. Agree in writing who submits it, who tracks it and who pays any advance.
Next: what it costs · whether you need it · choosing an electrician
Sources
Next step
Talk through your service upgrade
Call to talk it through, or send the short form. A local electrician can follow up to look at your panel and service and give you a written quote.
Call (925) 722-6103Prefer to type? Use the form.