Ceon Electric — Licensed Electrician C10.LIC 1141112
2026 Pricing Guide

How Much Does a Panel Upgrade Cost in Los Angeles?

Short answer: $2,500 to $6,500 for a standard 100→200A residential upgrade. Here's exactly what goes into that number, what pushes it higher, and what to watch out for in LA specifically.

Panel upgrade price ranges in LA

100-amp → 200-amp (standard)
$2,500 – $4,500
Most common upgrade. Same meter location, no service-mast rework.
100-amp → 200-amp (with mast/meter-main rework)
$4,000 – $6,500
Adds service-mast replacement, meter-main combo, or short underground service fix.
200-amp → 400-amp service
$6,500 – $12,000
Larger homes with dual EVs, pool equipment, or heat-pump HVAC.
Sub-panel installation
$1,200 – $3,500
ADU, garage, workshop, or pool-equipment sub-panel.
Zinsco / FPE / Pushmatic replacement
$2,500 – $5,000
Direct swap with matching amperage, or combine with an amperage upgrade.

Prices are LA-specific and reflect permit fees, union-adjacent labor costs, and utility coordination overhead. Your actual quote will be in writing, fixed, and based on a site walk.

The LADBS permit side

Every panel upgrade in the City of LA requires an LADBS electrical permit and a city inspection. Typical residential permit fees are $100–$500 depending on service size and whether a plan check is required. That fee is included in our quote — not added later.

Watch out for permit-less bids

A contractor who offers to skip the permit to "save you money" is saving themselves time — not saving you anything real. Unpermitted panel work is a disclosure issue at resale, a red flag for home inspectors, and a liability if a future electrical incident is traced back to it.

What actually drives the price up or down

Service amperage

200A vs 400A is the biggest single cost driver. 400A requires heavier meter equipment, a larger utility service drop, and more labor.

Meter location and service mast

If the service mast is old, rusted, or undersized, it has to be replaced. If the meter has to move (for clearance code or access), that adds labor and sometimes trenching.

Utility coordination

SCE and LADWP have different response times. LADWP jobs can add scheduling overhead but no direct cost. SCE may require a temporary disconnect fee.

LADBS permit fees

Typically $100–$500 for residential, depending on service size. Included in our quoted price — not a surprise add-on.

Access and finish work

Stucco patching, interior drywall repair, and paint touch-up behind the new panel are sometimes included, sometimes separate. Ask us before signing.

Grounding and bonding updates

Older homes often don't have a code-compliant ground-electrode system. A full panel upgrade usually requires bringing that up to code at the same time.

Comparing quotes: what to check

  • Is the LADBS permit fee included — or added separately after the job is booked?
  • Does the quote include grounding electrode upgrades to current code?
  • Is the contractor pulling the permit in their name, or expecting you to pull it?
  • What panel brand and amperage is specified — in writing?
  • Are drywall patching and paint touch-up included, separate, or excluded?
  • Is there a written warranty on labor, and how long?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a panel upgrade more expensive in LA than other cities?+
Three reasons: (1) LADBS permit fees and seismic bracing requirements, (2) higher labor rates tied to California's C-10 licensing and union/prevailing-wage norms, and (3) utility coordination with SCE or LADWP, which often requires temp disconnects. The quality and safety of the result reflects those costs.
Is a permit really required?+
Yes. Every panel upgrade in the City of Los Angeles requires an LADBS electrical permit and an inspection. Permit-less work is a red flag at resale — many buyers walk or reduce their offer. If a contractor offers to skip the permit to save you money, that's a liability, not a discount.
What's included in your quoted price?+
New panel, new main breaker, all breaker replacements, service-entrance conductors (if being replaced), grounding electrode upgrades to current code, the LADBS permit, and the city inspection. Not included: utility disconnect fees (if charged by SCE/LADWP), drywall patch/paint unless quoted, and any pre-existing code violations discovered during the work.
Can I save money by buying the panel myself?+
No. We only install panels we source through our supplier because we need to stand behind the equipment's warranty. A panel bought on Amazon isn't covered by the manufacturer's contractor warranty, and it's usually not cheaper once you factor in our distributor discount.
Are there rebates or tax credits that reduce the cost?+
Sometimes. If the panel upgrade is required to support a heat pump, heat pump water heater, or solar/EV install, portions of the cost may qualify under the federal 25C tax credit or IRA-funded state rebate programs. We'll flag those when we scope the job.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover any of this?+
If the panel was damaged by a covered event (storm, fire, impact), yes — we'll provide itemized documentation for your adjuster. Routine upgrades for capacity or age aren't covered by insurance.
How do I know which size I need?+
We run a load calculation using NEC 220 based on your square footage, HVAC, water heater, cooking loads, and planned future loads (EV, heat pump, pool). Most single-family homes in LA end up at 200A. 400A is reserved for larger homes with dual EVs or heat-pump HVAC.

Get a real, written quote

Free estimates based on an actual site walk — not a phone guess. All permit fees and grounding work included in the quoted price.

Panel Upgrade Service DetailsGet a Free Quote

Or call (818) 430-9508 (24/7) · (323) 963-2089 (office)