Electrical Panel Upgrades & Service Upgrades in Austin, TX

Several signs indicate it's time for a panel evaluation: circuit breakers that trip frequently under normal loads, breakers that feel warm or won't reset, a panel rated under 150 amps, a Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand nameplate, flickering lights when appliances start, or an insurance company declining to renew your policy. If you're planning an EV charger, whole-home generator, or significant home addition, a panel assessment should happen first.

Panel upgrade costs in Austin typically range from $1,800 to $3,500 for a standard 200-amp service upgrade, depending on the condition of the existing service entrance, whether the meter base needs replacement, the number of circuits being re-landed, and access to the panel. Projects requiring a service entrance relocation or a new meter base coordination with Austin Energy are at the higher end. We provide written, itemized estimates before any work begins — no surprise line items at invoice time.

A straightforward 200-amp panel swap on an existing service entrance typically takes one full workday — generally 6 to 8 hours. Your power will be off for most of that time while the panel is being replaced. More complex projects involving a new meter base, service entrance relocation, or a 400-amp service can run into a second day. We coordinate with Austin Energy for any utility-side work and schedule the city inspection promptly so the permit is closed out quickly.

Yes — the City of Austin requires an electrical permit for any service upgrade or panel replacement. This is not optional, and unpermitted panel work creates real problems: your homeowner's insurance can deny claims related to electrical fires if the panel was changed without a permit, and you will likely be required to bring the work up to code at your expense when you sell the home. Voltage Electric Co. pulls the permit on every panel job, and we never perform unpermitted service changes.

Yes. A 400-amp service is practical for larger homes (typically above 3,000 sq ft), households with high electrical loads — multiple EV chargers, a large solar + battery system, a pool heater, electric radiant heat — or homes with a significant attached workshop. A 400-amp service is delivered as two 200-amp panels or a single large 400-amp panel. Austin Energy needs to verify that the transformer serving your address can support the increased load; this is part of the coordination we handle on your behalf.