EV charger, spa, heat pump, addition… Is your 100 A service still enough? Here’s how to know, what’s involved, and what to budget — no surprises.
Our homes use more power than ever
Many Quebec homes still have a 100-amp electrical service, sized for the needs of 30 or 40 years ago. Today we plug in EV chargers, spas, heat pumps and power-hungry kitchens. And frankly, when we walk into a house with a 100 A panel, it’s usually an old panel installed back in the day — often at the end of its useful life.
The signs 100 A is no longer enough
A fuse panel or a rusty service entrance
A fuse panel, or a rusting mast and service entrance, betray the age of the installation. It’s often the sign it’s time to modernize.
Breakers that trip
The main breaker or circuits trip when several appliances run at the same time.
A full panel
No room left to add a circuit — or “half-breakers” everywhere to squeeze out space.
The projects that (almost) always force an upgrade
Some additions demand so much power that they generally require increasing the service capacity:
- A spa — the most frequent trigger.
- A pool with an electric heater
- An EV charging station
How long, and how much
In most homes, the upgrade is done in one day, with two electricians. You’re without power for the duration — that day. And above all: we handle Hydro-Québec 100% (the request, coordination, reconnection and seal). Nothing for you to manage there.
What moves the price: the condition and type of service entrance (overhead or underground), distance, a mast to replace, and corrections found once the panel is open.
- Load calculation and feasibility check
- New 200 A panel and service entrance
- Full coordination with Hydro-Québec
- Grounding verified and corrected if needed
- Tested re-energization, to CMEQ and RBQ standards
100 A + a load controller: when it’s a real solution
A load controller (load-shedding device) spreads out demand to avoid exceeding capacity — which can, in some cases, avoid a full upgrade. But let’s be honest, it depends on the need:
- For an EV charger: yes, a load controller works very well and often lets you keep 100 A.
- For the rest (spa, kitchen, major additions): it’s generally not recommended.
What’s worth doing (and what isn’t)
Installing a new panel is the right moment to improve a few things — but not blindly:
- Surge protector: an excellent idea at installation, to protect your appliances against surges.
- Grounding: we check it systematically and correct it if necessary.
A service entrance done by the book
A residential, commercial and industrial electrical company — CMEQ-certified and holder of an RBQ licence — serving Greater Montréal, Laval, the North Shore, the Laurentians and Lanaudière. We calculate, we coordinate Hydro-Québec, and we guarantee the work.
Is your panel ready for your projects?
We calculate your load and tell you straight whether 100 A is enough or it’s time for 200 A. Free quote.
What homeowners ask us
How do I know if I have 100 or 200 amps?+
The main breaker at the top of the panel shows the amperage (100, 125, 200…). If in doubt, our team checks it and performs a load calculation.
How long does the work take?+
In most homes, one day, with two electricians. You’re without power for the duration of the work — that day.
How much does upgrading to 200 A cost?+
Generally between $3,500 and $7,000 installed, depending on the condition and type of your service entrance. We handle all coordination with Hydro-Québec.
Do I need 200 A just for an EV charger?+
Not necessarily. For a charger, a load controller often lets you keep a 100 A service. That said, if the panel is already old, replacing it is often the wiser move.
Who handles Hydro-Québec and the permit?+
We do. The request, coordination, reconnection and seal with Hydro-Québec are 100% handled by our team.
