Electrical Panel Upgrade in Houston

An electrical panel upgrade in Houston gives your home the power it needs for a bigger AC, an EV charger or a new kitchen. We handle the permit, the CenterPoint disconnect and the inspection, and we tell you each step as it happens.

Signs you need a panel or service upgrade

  • The panel is a Federal Pacific, Zinsco or other recalled brand
  • You have fuses instead of breakers
  • Breakers trip when two big appliances run together
  • The home still has a 60 or 100-amp service
  • You are adding an EV charger, a generator or a new AC
  • Scorch marks, rust or buzzing at the panel
  • The panel has no room for new circuits
  • Your insurance asks for an upgrade

How a panel upgrade works

  1. 1Load checkWe add up your current and future loads to size the service, often 200 amps.
  2. 2Written priceYou get a fixed price that includes the panel, the meter base if needed, the permit and the inspection.
  3. 3Permit and schedulingWe pull the City of Houston electrical permit and book the CenterPoint disconnect and reconnect.
  4. 4Install dayPower is off for most of the day. We swap the panel, label every circuit and fix any code problems.
  5. 5Inspection and reconnectThe city inspects, then CenterPoint restores power. We stay in touch with you until the lights are on.

Panel upgrade options and costs in Houston

100-amp to 200-amp upgrade$750–$2,000 and up (typical)

A common range for a service upgrade. Costs go up if the meter base or mast also needs replacing.

Panel replacement only$1,500–$4,000 (typical)

Swap the panel and breakers while keeping the same service size.

Meter base replacement$650 (our price)

For a corroded or damaged meter base.

Service mast or weatherhead repair$950 (our price)

For storm or rust damage at the roofline.

Typical Houston ranges for planning. Your written price comes after we see the job.

What changes the price

  • Size of the new service, 100, 150, 200 or 400 amps
  • Distance from the meter to the panel
  • Meter base or mast condition
  • Number of circuits that need to be rewired
  • Permit fees and utility timing

See the full cost guide →

Good to know in Houston

Houston upgrades often stall between the permit, the CenterPoint disconnect, the city inspection and the reconnect. That can take one to three weeks. Older bungalows may also need new grounding. In flood-prone areas, a higher panel location can be worth discussing.

The City of Houston requires an electrical permit and an inspection for a service upgrade, and CenterPoint must disconnect and reconnect power. The work must be done by TDLR-licensed electricians.

Questions about panel and service upgrades

How long does a panel upgrade take?

The install takes a day. Permit, inspection and the CenterPoint steps can take one to three weeks overall.

Do I need 200 amps?

Most Houston homes with central AC, electric cooking and an EV charger do. We run a load calculation to confirm.

Will my power be off?

Yes, for most of the install day. We plan it with you and tell you when it will return.

What about a Federal Pacific panel?

We suggest replacing it. These panels have a record of breakers that fail to trip under overload.

Related