Technology, Measures & Innovation
Let's talk electrical panel upgrades
Whether you want to install heat pumps or energy-efficient electric appliances, switching from gas to electric equipment will increase the amount of electricity your home needs to run. Although this will save you money and energy in the long run, it can require upfront costs like increasing your home’s electrical panel to safely support the higher load. Let’s break down when you might need this service upgrade, the benefits, and how the DCSEU can help.
What is an electrical panel upgrade?
An electrical panel upgrade (often called a “heavy up”) involves a licensed electrician replacing an old or smaller electrical panel with a newer one with a higher capacity or improved safety features. The electrician will not only make sure the new panel can support all appliances (or future electrification projects), but also check that everything is up to code and safety standards.
Do you need an electrical panel upgrade?
If your home’s panel is less than 100 amps, you will likely need an upgrade to safely support modern electric appliances. You may also need an upgrade if you have an older home with a damaged panel. Getting an upgrade doesn’t always mean increasing amperage, but if you are updating an old panel, it’s a good idea to increase your panel’s amperage to support any future electrification projects.
If your home’s panel is between 100 and 150 amps, you may need an electrical panel upgrade for certain electrification projects (or for a high number of electrification projects). However, you can probably electrify many parts of your home without an upgrade. There are models of heat pumps, heat pump dryers, induction stoves, and other energy-saving equipment that can run on smaller panels. Be sure to check with a licensed electrician before beginning any work.
If your home’s panel is over 150 amps, you can likely electrify it without an electrical panel upgrade. It’s always a good idea to double-check with an electrician, though.
What are the benefits of an upgrade?
There are many perks to an electrical panel upgrade. Here are our favorites:
Boost capacity and reliability
Your home will be able to safely support more electric appliances running at the same time. If you ever struggle with blowing a fuse, an electric panel upgrade can also help improve your home’s reliability.
Get electrification-ready
Even if you aren’t ready to electrify your whole home, getting this upgrade will prepare you for any future projects. These can include switching to heat pumps, heat pump dryers, or induction stoves, which will help you save energy and money while lowering your home’s carbon footprint.
Ready to make the switch? The DCSEU can help.
Boost your home’s electric capacity and safety for less with these offers.
Rebates
Heavy-up rebates are available to all District residents who replace their gas or oil water heating or heating equipment with heat pumps or heat pump water heaters. Visit our Residential Electrification Rebates page to learn more, then apply for a rebate once your electrical panel upgrade is complete.
Affordable Home Electrification Program (AHEP)
If you're an income-qualified District homeowner or renter in a single-family home, you can upgrade gas appliances to efficient electric equipment for free. That includes getting an electrical panel upgrade on us if needed. We'll even provide a contractor to help. Visit our Affordable Home Electrification page to learn more.