An overhead service reaches your home through wires above ground; an underground service reaches it through a buried cable route. For a 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade, that difference can change the work outside the house, access requirements and total price. A larger panel by itself does not establish that the whole service can supply 200 amps.
What changes with an overhead service?
The electrician reviews the meter equipment, service entrance and attachment arrangement. Wire clearances, trees, nearby structures and the route from the utility pole can affect the proposed work. BC Hydro’s site-preparation guidance highlights clearance and access issues that can prevent a connection from proceeding.
What changes with an underground service?
The existing cable route and customer-owned duct must be assessed for the proposed upgrade. Do not assume an old conduit can be reused simply because it is already buried. A job may involve new duct, excavation, utility locating, access across the property and restoration of landscaping or paving.
BC Hydro’s connection requirements describe customer conduit responsibilities and current installation standards. Confirm the accepted design before digging or booking civil work.
Is underground always more expensive?
There is no reliable flat premium that applies to every home. A short, accessible route is different from one under a driveway or finished landscaping. An overhead job can also become more involved if the service location or attachment needs to change. Compare the complete site-specific scope, not only the panel’s amperage or an advertised starting price.
What should the quote separate?
Panel, meter and other customer electrical equipment.
Permit and inspection coordination.
Utility connection charges and who pays them.
Excavation, conduit and any specialist civil work.
Concrete, asphalt, landscaping and wall repairs.
Disconnection/reconnection coordination and planned outage arrangements.
Ask which items are included, excluded or provisional. Our electrical service upgrade page is a starting point for discussing your property.
Can I switch from overhead to underground?
That is a separate design and utility-approval question, not an automatic part of a 200-amp upgrade. Raise it early, especially before driveway work or landscaping. An on-site review is needed before committing to a route, price or completion date.
For a North Delta or Lower Mainland home, send Hundel Electric photos of the panel exterior, meter and visible service route, plus your planned electrical additions. Take photos from a safe distance without opening equipment. Call 604-358-5549 to discuss the next step.