Electrical Service & Panel Upgrades

Modernizing your home’s power for today’s lifestyle.

Is your home’s electrical system struggling to keep up? Older homes were often built with 60-amp or 100-amp services, which aren't designed for the high-draw appliances of 2026. Whether you are adding a hot tub, installing an EV charging station, or finishing a basement, a service upgrade ensures your home remains safe and functional.

Why Upgrade your Electrical Service?

• Capacity for Growth: Supports modern demands like heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers, and high-end kitchen appliances.
• Eliminate Nuisance Tripping: Stop breakers from tripping every time you use the microwave and a hair dryer simultaneously.
• Insurance Compliance: Many insurers now require the removal of outdated fuse boxes or specific older breaker brands to maintain coverage.
• Home Value: A certified 200-amp ESA-inspected panel is a major selling point for any residential property.

Does your electrical panel look like this:

The Step-by-Step Upgrade Process

At Alderock Electric, we handle the heavy lifting and the paperwork. Here is what you can expect during a typical service upgrade:

1. Load Calculation & Consultation: We assess your current usage and future needs to determine if a 200-amp upgrade is necessary or if a simple panel swap will suffice.
2. Service Layout: We get in contact with your local utility provider (e.g., Enova Power, Hydro One, Alectra or Grand Bridge Energy) and consult them for a service layout drawing. This tells us what the utility required for the service upgrade and lets us know if any costs associated.
3. Permitting & Coordination: As a Licensed Electrical Contractor, we pull the required Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permits and coordinate the power disconnect/reconnect with your local utility provider (e.g., Enova Power, Hydro One, Alectra or Grand Bridge Energy).
4. The "Rough-In" (Morning of Install): Once the utility company disconnects the power, our team installs the new heavy-duty meter base, weather head, and service mast on the exterior of your home.
5. Panel Installation: Inside, we remove the old fuse box or outdated panel and install a brand-new, high-quality breaker panel. We migrate all existing circuits, ensuring every connection is secure and properly labeled.
6. Grounding & Bonding: We update your home's grounding system to meet the current Ontario Electrical Safety Code, which often involves running new copper ground wires to your water service.
7. ESA Inspection & Power Restoration: An ESA inspector reviews the work. Once approved, the utility company reconnects the service, and we perform a final test of all circuits in your home.

Electrical Panels Installed:

Signs You Need an Upgrade Immediately

Warning: If you notice any of the following, your panel may be failing:

• Crackling or buzzing sounds coming from the panel.
• Burn marks or "warm to the touch" circuit breakers.
• Lights that flicker when the refrigerator or AC kicks on.
• Fuses that blow frequently.

Other important reasons to consider a panel upgrade:

• Planning for a Hot Tub, Pool or Sauna Installation
• EV (Electric Vehicle) charging Installation
• Heat Pump update (New HVAC equipement)
• Old panel (Fuses, aging breaker panels)
• Major renovation
• Full panel (No more space for additional circuits)

Ready to Power Up?

Our team serves Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas, with transparent pricing and expert execution.