How much for a 200A service panel upgrade in Ottawa $?

A 200A electrical panel upgrade in Ottawa typically runs between $2,500 and $5,000+ depending on the complexity of the job — but this is work that must be done by a licensed electrician with an ESA permit, so the range reflects real variation in scope, not just contractor markup.

The base cost for a straightforward panel swap — removing an old 100A (or fuse) panel and installing a new 200A breaker panel in the same location — usually lands in the $2,500–$3,500 range. This includes the panel itself, breakers, labour, and the mandatory ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) inspection. If your home needs the service entrance upgraded at the same time (the wiring from the street to your meter), or if Hydro Ottawa needs to disconnect and reconnect the service, costs can push into the $3,500–$5,000+ range. Older Ottawa homes — particularly those in Glebe, Westboro, or Centretown built before the 1970s — often have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring that complicates the job significantly and can add $1,000–$3,000+ to the total.

Factors that will affect your final price include the location of your existing panel (finished basement vs. accessible utility room), whether you need a new meter base, the distance from the panel to the main service entrance, and how many circuits need to be reconnected or rewired. If your electrician discovers the service entrance cable (the big wire coming into your home) is undersized or deteriorated, Hydro Ottawa will need to be coordinated for a temporary disconnect — that scheduling can add time and cost.

On the Ottawa permit and inspection side, all panel upgrades require an ESA electrical permit — no exceptions. Your licensed electrician pulls this permit, does the work, and ESA inspects before Hydro Ottawa restores power. This process typically takes 1–3 days for the work itself, but scheduling Hydro Ottawa's disconnect/reconnect can add a day or two of lead time. Don't let any contractor skip the ESA permit — it's a legal requirement and your homeowner's insurance could be voided if unpermitted electrical work is ever discovered.

This is firmly in "hire a licensed electrician" territory — panel work in Ontario is not a DIY project under any circumstances. The ESA is strict, and for good reason. Improper panel work is a leading cause of house fires.

Electrical-only projects are outside our direct scope at Justyn Rook Contracting, but when panel upgrades are part of a larger renovation (basement finishing, kitchen reno, secondary suite), we coordinate licensed electricians as part of the full project. If you need a standalone panel upgrade referral or it's part of a bigger renovation you're planning, feel free to reach out — we're happy to point you in the right direction or discuss how it fits into your overall project.