Yes, the rules are probably different depending on the region and the power
Co. However, my understanding was that, if you can justify the need for more
Amps (electrical heating, woodworking shop, etc.), the power company is
obligated to upgrade the wires and meter at no charge. I know someone who
even got them to replace a whole transformer to accommodate him in a rural
area. Did you try to be a little more forceful with your company? Maybe
consult with your local representative for more info?


in article , Mark at
wrote on 2/11/04 1:26 PM:

On Wed, 11 Feb 2004 13:04:39 -0500, Stephan Bour wrote:

It all depends on where you live and the type of cable running from the
street transformer to your house. My heavy-up only required upgrading the
circuit panel and installing heavy-duty cables from the meter to the panel
and from the point of attachment of the street cable onto my house to the
meter. The power Co. will come and upgrade the meter and look at the cable
from the street. They will decide whether it needs upgrading or not. In any
case, the work done by the power Co. should be free of charge to you,
regardless of what needs to be done to accommodate your new service.
Stephan.

2 years ago I was looking to upgrade my service to 200A and the power company
wanted me to pay for upgrading the line from the street. Needless to say, I
passed on that generous offer !

It would have cost me a sh!tload as I have underground utilities and about a
400' run from the house to street.




in article , Dr.Mutant at
wrote on 2/11/04 12:29 PM:

After I call the electrician, what will s/he actually do to upgrade
the service in my house to 200A ? Other than change the master
breaker, does anything else happen with the panel, or anything go on
between the house and the pole? Among other things I'm tired of lights
briefly dimming when the furnace or the clothes washer or the
dishwasher or my wife makes demands (oops, did I say that out loud?).
Thanks.

Dr. M