Electrical Service Upgrades & Repairs
Need more power for your modern home? Upgrade from 100A to 200A service, replace aging service equipment, and modernize your electrical system throughout St. Louis and St. Charles County.
What We Provide
Why It Matters
Signs You Need This Service
Not sure if you need electrical service upgrades & repairs? Here are the warning signs to watch for.
Main breaker trips frequently
Your electrical demand exceeds your service capacity. This is the clearest sign you need a service upgrade.
Lights dim when appliances start
Voltage drop when large appliances start indicates your service can't handle the load. This stresses electronics and wiring.
Meter base is corroded or damaged
Corrosion allows water infiltration, creating fire and shock hazards. Damaged meter bases should be replaced.
Adding major appliances
EV chargers, heat pumps, hot tubs, and shop equipment may require more capacity than 100A service provides.
Planning a home addition
Additions increase electrical load. Upgrading service during the project is more efficient than after.
Home is 30+ years old with original service
Older 100A or even 60A services weren't designed for modern electrical demands. Upgrade for safety and capacity.
Multiple 240V appliances running causes issues
Running multiple high-power appliances (dryer, AC, oven) simultaneously strains undersized service.
Solar or battery backup planned
Solar systems and battery backups like Powerwalls often require 200A service minimum.
What's Included
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Here's exactly what you get.
Meter Base Replacement Only
$1,200–$2,500
- New 200A meter base
- Service entrance cable replacement
- Weatherhead and mast (if needed)
- All Ameren coordination
- Permits and inspection
- Power restoration same day
When panel is already 200A but meter base needs replacement
Complete 200A Service Upgrade
$3,500–$6,000
- New 200A meter base and service entrance
- New 200A main breaker panel
- All new circuit breakers
- Required AFCI/GFCI protection
- Whole-home surge protection
- Ameren coordination
- All permits and inspections
Full upgrade from 100A to 200A
400A Service Installation
$8,000–$15,000
- 400A meter base and CT cabinet
- Dual 200A panels or 400A rated panel
- Heavy service entrance conductors
- Utility coordination for 400A supply
- Load calculations and circuit planning
- All permits and inspections
Large homes with all-electric systems, shops, pools
Our Process
1. Load Assessment
A licensed electrician evaluates your current service size, calculates your existing electrical load, and determines what capacity you need based on current and future requirements (EV chargers, heat pumps, additions, etc.).
2. Detailed Quote
You receive a written quote covering the meter base, service entrance cables, weatherhead, panel upgrade (if included), permits, and all labor. We explain exactly what's needed and why.
3. Utility Coordination
We submit the service upgrade request to Ameren, coordinate the scope of work, and schedule the temporary meter disconnect. We handle all utility communication—you don't need to call anyone.
4. Permit & Scheduling
We pull the required electrical permit from your municipality and schedule installation for a date that works for you. Service upgrades require permits and inspection in all St. Louis area jurisdictions.
5. Service Installation
On installation day, Ameren disconnects power. We replace the meter base, service entrance cables, weatherhead, and mast (if needed). If the panel is included, we install the new panel and transfer all circuits.
6. Code Inspection
We schedule inspection with your municipality. The inspector verifies proper installation, grounding, and code compliance. We stay on-site to address any questions immediately.
7. Power Restoration
After passing inspection, we contact Ameren to restore power and install the new meter. Power is typically restored within 1-2 hours of our call. We verify all circuits work before leaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about electrical service upgrades & repairs
How long does a service upgrade take?
Most service upgrades take 1-2 days. The utility needs to disconnect and reconnect power, which we coordinate.
Will I be without power?
Yes, typically for 4-8 hours while we replace the meter base and service entrance. We schedule around your needs.
Do I need a service upgrade for solar panels?
It depends on your current service size and solar system capacity. We'll assess and recommend accordingly.
How do I know if I have 100A or 200A service?
Check your main breaker size in your panel. The meter base and service entrance cable size also determine capacity.
Does a service upgrade require a permit?
Yes. All service upgrades require permits and inspections. We handle all permitting and inspections.
What's included in a service upgrade vs panel upgrade?
A service upgrade includes the meter base, service entrance cables, weatherhead, and often a new panel. A panel upgrade only replaces the panel itself.
Will the utility replace my meter?
Yes. Ameren provides and installs the meter at no charge after we complete the meter base upgrade and pass inspection.
Can I upgrade to 400-amp service?
Yes, for large homes with high electrical demands (all-electric, EV chargers, pools, workshops). We'll assess if your utility can provide 400A.
Electrical Service Upgrades & Repairs Near You
We provide electrical service upgrades & repairs services throughout St. Charles County, St. Louis County, and surrounding areas.
Find Electrical Service Upgrades & Repairs Services in Your City
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Contact us today for a free estimate with exact pricing before any work begins.