Electrical Panel Upgrades in St. Charles & St. Louis County

A typical 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade costs $2,500-$4,500 in the St. Louis area. This includes the new panel, main breaker, circuit breakers, permits, utility coordination, and inspection. If your meter base needs replacement, add $1,200-$2,500. We provide detailed written estimates before any work begins.

Most panel upgrades are completed in one day (6-8 hours). You'll be without power during the actual panel swap, typically 4-6 hours. We work efficiently to minimize the outage and schedule same-day inspection so your power is restored before we leave.

Yes! We handle all permitting and coordinate same-day inspection. The permit cost is included in our quotes. We're licensed in Missouri and hold contractor licenses in St. Charles County and St. Louis County.

100-amp service was standard in homes built before 1990 and supports basic electrical loads. 200-amp service is today's standard and supports modern appliances, EV chargers, heat pumps, and multiple high-power devices simultaneously. If you're adding major appliances or your breakers trip frequently, 200-amp is likely necessary.

Often, yes. A 100-amp meter base can't support 200-amp service. If your meter base is undersized, damaged, or doesn't meet current Ameren requirements, we'll include replacement in your quote. The meter base adds $1,200-$2,500 to the project.

Look for these brand names on your panel: Federal Pacific (FPE), Zinsco, Pushmatic/Bulldog, or Challenger. Also watch for warning signs: warm panel cover, burning smell, scorched breakers, rust, or breakers that won't stay reset. If you notice any of these, call us for a free safety inspection.

Many insurance companies require replacement of Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or other recalled panels. They may refuse coverage or charge higher premiums until the panel is replaced. If you have a dangerous panel brand, check with your insurer. We can provide documentation after replacement.

Absolutely! This is actually the most efficient approach. We can pull all permits together and complete both the panel upgrade and EV charger installation in one project. Many customers bundle these services.

Once you approve the estimate, we coordinate with Ameren to confirm the scope of work. We pull permits and schedule the temporary disconnect. After installation and same-day inspection, we contact Ameren to restore your power. You don't need to coordinate anything. We handle it all.

No. The panel capacity only determines how much power your home can use simultaneously. It doesn't increase consumption. Your bill depends on what you actually use, not your panel size. Think of it like a larger pipe: more capacity, but you only pay for what flows through.

We install panels from Square D (QO and Homeline series), Siemens (PN and SN series), Eaton (BR and CH series), and Span (smart panels). All are quality UL-listed panels backed by manufacturer warranties. We don't install budget-grade panels. Your safety isn't worth the savings. For customers wanting smart home integration, we install and commission Span smart panels with app control and individual circuit monitoring.

Yes, though you'll be without power for 4-6 hours during the actual panel swap. Many customers work from home using a laptop battery or mobile hotspot, run errands during the outage, or plan the upgrade for a day they'll be away. We can coordinate timing to minimize disruption. Your water heater and refrigerator will be fine for the outage duration.

Yes, for large homes with high electrical demands (all-electric, EV chargers, pools, workshops). We'll assess if your utility can provide 400A.

Yes. Ameren provides and installs the meter at no charge after we complete the meter base upgrade and pass inspection.

It depends on your current service size and solar system capacity. Solar systems and battery backups like Powerwalls often require 200A service minimum. We'll assess and recommend accordingly.