Call 844-335-0814 any time and our service desk will connect you with an independent local electrician who handles panel upgrades and replacements.
Signs your panel is ready for an upgrade
- Breakers trip often, especially when large appliances start
- There is no space left for new circuits
- You are adding an EV charger, heat pump, spa or solar system
- The panel feels warm, buzzes or shows rust or scorch marks
- Your home still has a fuse box or an older panel brand an inspector or insurer has flagged
Not every full panel needs replacing. Sometimes a subpanel or a load management device solves the problem for less, and a good electrician will tell you when that is the case.
What a panel upgrade involves
A typical upgrade replaces the panel and main breaker, moves existing circuits into the new panel and may upgrade the service size coming into the house. Depending on the home, it can also include a new meter base, grounding and bonding corrections and labeling every circuit clearly.
Expect the power to be off for part of the day while the old panel is removed and the new one is connected.
SMUD and inspection steps for a service upgrade
When a project changes your electrical service, SMUD only installs the meter and energizes the service after your local agency has inspected and approved the panel. That makes the permit and inspection part of the schedule, not an afterthought.
Sacramento County lists electrical panel work among projects that need a permit, and residential panel repair or replacement permits can be issued online. The electrician you are connected with should handle the permit and coordinate timing with SMUD.
How the job usually runs
- Call 844-335-0814 and tell us what you are adding or what problem you are having.
- We connect you with an independent electrician who does panel work in your area.
- The electrician reviews your current panel and service and gives you a written estimate.
- The permit is pulled, the upgrade is installed and the inspection is scheduled.
- After approval, power is restored and the new panel is labeled.
Questions about Electrical Panel Upgrades
Do I need a bigger panel for an EV charger?
Not always. A load calculation shows whether you have room, and SMUD's home EV charging page describes rebates for circuit sharing devices that can sometimes avoid a panel upgrade.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The installation itself is usually done in a day, but permits, inspection and utility coordination add time. Ask for the full timeline with your estimate.