200 Amp Service Upgrades in Seattle & South King County

A completed 200A service upgrade: new meter main, mast, and service entrance conductors installed by Hanco Electric

Most homes in Seattle, Renton, Burien, Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, and Federal Way were built before 1990, wired for 100 amps or less, enough for the appliances of that era. South Seattle neighborhoods like Rainier Valley, Columbia City, Beacon Hill, Georgetown, and West Seattle have some of the oldest housing stock in King County. Today's homes draw significantly more power. If any of the following sound familiar, a service upgrade is likely in your future:

Service upgrade and EV charger installation completed on the same job, a common combination

We walk every customer through this process before any work begins. Here is what happens from first contact to final inspection:

1. On-Site Evaluation We visit your home to assess your current service entrance, meter base, panel location, and available working clearance. This determines exactly what the upgrade scope involves. Not every home is the same.
2. Written Scope & Quote You receive a clear written quote covering all labor, materials, permit fees, and utility coordination. No surprise add-ons after the work starts.
3. Permit Application We pull the electrical permit with your local jurisdiction. This is required by law and protects you: unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner's insurance and create problems at resale.
4. Utility Coordination: We Handle It This is the step most homeowners dread: dealing with the utility company. We take care of it entirely. Whether your home is served by Seattle City Light (SCL) or Puget Sound Energy (PSE), we submit the required paperwork, schedule the service disconnect and reconnect, and coordinate the timing around your availability. You don't need to make a single call to the utility.
5. Installation Day The upgrade itself typically takes one day. We install the new meter main, service entrance conductors, mast, panel, and grounding system. Your power will be off for a portion of the day while the utility performs the disconnect and reconnect.
   

   Weatherhead and mast work

   

   New mast installed

   

   Completed meter main

   

   Service conductors terminated

6. Inspection & Sign-Off A city or county electrical inspector reviews the completed work. We coordinate the inspection and are present for it. Once signed off, the permit is closed and you receive documentation for your records.
   

   Before: old panel

   

   After: new Square D Homeline

• New 200A Square D Homeline main panel
• New service entrance conductors and mast/weatherhead
• Meter main (combined meter socket and main breaker, replaces the existing meter base, no separate disconnect needed)
• Complete grounding electrode system: ground rods, water bond, and gas bond to current NEC code
• Whole-home surge protection device
• Permit and inspection coordination
• Utility disconnect/reconnect scheduling

Real completed upgrades by Hanco Electric: all work permitted and inspected

How long does a 200A service upgrade take?Most jobs are completed in a single day+

Most residential 200A service upgrades are completed in one day. The utility disconnect and reconnect is the variable: Seattle City Light and PSE schedule these during specific windows, which we coordinate around your availability. Your power will be off for a portion of the day while the utility performs their portion of the work.

Do I need a permit for a service upgrade?Yes, and we pull it for you+

Yes, an electrical permit is required by law for a service upgrade in Washington State. Unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner's insurance, create problems when you sell, and potentially create safety issues. Hanco Electric pulls the permit with your local jurisdiction as part of every service upgrade. It's included in your quote, not an add-on.

Do I have to deal with Seattle City Light or PSE myself?No, we handle all utility coordination+

No. Hanco Electric handles all coordination with Seattle City Light (SCL) and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) on your behalf. We submit the required forms, schedule the service disconnect and reconnect, and coordinate timing with you. You don't need to call or interact with the utility at any point.

Why do you recommend 200A instead of a smaller panel?Same cost, future-proofed+

A 200A service upgrade costs virtually the same as a 125A or 150A upgrade once you factor in labor, materials, and the permit. Since the cost difference is minimal and 200A gives you room for EV chargers, heat pumps, hot tubs, or other future loads, it's almost always the better choice. Other sizes are always available if your situation calls for it.

Do you serve my area?Seattle, Renton, Burien, Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way and more+

Hanco Electric primarily serves Seattle and South King County, including Renton, Burien, Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, and Federal Way. We also serve north and east King County including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Shoreline. Not sure? Send us a message with your address and we'll let you know right away.