Southwest Washington
Service Upgrades
Plan for the power your property needs, with service upgrades explained clearly before the work begins.
More power starts with a clear plan.
An aging panel, outdated equipment, or a planned property improvement can be a reason to take a closer look at your electrical system. Tane Electric handles electrical service upgrades and panel replacement for homes and businesses across Southwest Washington.
A panel replacement and a service upgrade solve different needs. Replacing a panel addresses the equipment that distributes power to your circuits. A service upgrade addresses the electrical capacity supplied to the property. Colt can review your existing system and planned additions, explain the proposed work, and help you understand which improvements your project calls for.
Room for your next electrical addition.
An EV charger, electric heating, new appliances, or a larger workshop can change how much power your property needs. Share what you plan to add and how you expect to use it. The starting point is a review of the existing service and the electrical demands of the project, rather than assuming every addition needs a larger service.
When a service upgrade is appropriate, the scope may include changes to the service equipment, meter equipment, main disconnect, and panel. What needs to change depends on the property and the requirements for the installation. Colt can explain the proposed scope so you know what is included in your estimate.
Overhead service upgrades: poles, masts, and the service drop.
An overhead service brings power from a utility pole to the property. An upgrade may involve the service mast, weatherhead, attachment point, service-entrance conductors, meter equipment, and main disconnect. The utility reviews its service drop and available supply. Replacing an indoor panel alone does not establish that the overhead equipment can carry a larger service.
Colt can discuss the existing overhead arrangement and the changes needed for your planned load. Rooflines, additions, driveways, trees, and required clearances can affect the design. The utility must approve the connection arrangement and coordinate disconnection and reconnection. If you want to convert overhead service to underground, include that goal at the beginning so routing, excavation, and utility work can be considered together.
Underground service upgrades: plan the route before the trench.
An underground service reaches the meter from an approved utility source, such as a transformer or service pedestal. Increasing capacity may require changes to the conductors, conduit, meter equipment, or utility supply. An existing underground line is not automatically reusable simply because there is room for a larger panel inside.
The utility establishes its design and connection requirements. Discuss the route, access, easements, trenching, conduit, inspections before backfilling, and restoration of lawns or pavement as part of the estimate. Confirm who handles each part of the work and any utility charges. Arrange utility locating through 811 before excavation and identify any private underground lines that need separate locating.
Outdoor meter sockets, meter/main disconnects, and combination equipment.
A stand-alone meter socket holds the utility meter and is paired with separately arranged disconnect equipment. A meter/main combines the meter socket and main disconnect in one assembly. A meter-main load center also includes spaces for branch circuits or feeders. Larger installations may require current-transformer (CT) metering and a separate CT enclosure instead of a self-contained meter socket.
Outdoor equipment must be listed for the installation and suitable for weather exposure, commonly with a NEMA 3R enclosure. Overhead, underground, and combination-entry models are not automatically interchangeable. Socket configuration, bypass provisions, amperage, voltage, phase, fault-current rating, and utility acceptance all matter. Colt can review a separate meter and disconnect versus combined equipment, including the required exterior disconnect arrangement. Confirm the design before purchasing equipment.
Service amperage: choose capacity from the electrical load.
You may encounter older 100-amp or 125-amp services, a 200-amp residential service, or a larger 320/400-amp arrangement. These ratings describe capacity, not a promise that every property needs an upgrade. A load calculation considers the existing electrical demand and planned equipment, including heating, cooking, vehicle charging, and outbuildings. A panel label or the sum of branch-breaker ratings does not determine the usable service capacity.
For larger residential projects, a Class 320 meter socket is rated for 320 amps continuously and is commonly associated with a nominal 400-amp service arrangement. It is not a 400-amp continuous rating. Larger loads may need CT metering. The utility must confirm the appropriate metering and supply arrangement, while the conductors, disconnects, and panels must suit the approved design.
Voltage and phase: match the supply to the equipment.
Most homes use 120/240-volt, single-phase service: 120 volts for typical lighting and receptacles and 240 volts for suitable larger appliances and equipment. Increasing service amperage does not, by itself, change that voltage or make three-phase power available. Share the nameplate specifications for new equipment before assuming it will work with the existing supply.
Commercial equipment may call for three-phase service, such as 208Y/120 volts or 480Y/277 volts. Availability depends on the utility system at the property, and the equipment must match the actual voltage and phase. Commercial amperage is selected for the calculated load and approved design. Colt can discuss the proposed equipment with you and the utility before service equipment is selected.
Plan permits, utility coordination, and downtime.
Service upgrades can involve the utility as well as permits and inspections. Discuss those steps early, especially if the electrical work is part of a renovation or you need to keep a business operating around it.
Ask about the expected power interruption and how the work will be scheduled. Tell Colt about any equipment that needs continuous power and any deadlines before the project is planned. Timing depends on the work and any utility or inspection arrangements involved.
Contact the electric utility for your service area.
Use the utility serving your actual property address, as shown on your electric bill. A mailing city or ZIP code alone may not establish the provider, especially near county boundaries. Start utility planning early, alongside your conversation with Colt, to confirm available capacity, equipment acceptance, project charges, and connection scheduling.
Clark County: Clark Public Utilities
For Battle Ground, Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, La Center, Yacolt, and surrounding Clark County communities, contact Clark Public Utilities Construction Services at 360-992-8558. Use its construction service process for a new or upgraded connection, rather than the move-in account form.
Clark Public Utilities: start a service upgrade ↗
Cowlitz County: Cowlitz PUD
For Kalama, Cowlitz County properties in the Woodland area, Ariel, Cougar, and nearby Cowlitz County locations, contact Cowlitz PUD Engineering at 360-501-9546. Its construction and remodel process covers panel upgrades, added load, service modifications, and overhead-to-underground conversion requests. For Woodland-area addresses near the county line, confirm your serving utility before applying.
Cowlitz PUD: construction and service upgrades ↗
Utility approval and electrical permit approval are separate steps. Ask about both before setting a work date.
Planning your project
Plan around the property, not just the panel.
When you reach out, share the property location, what prompted the project, and any electrical additions you’re considering. A photo of the closed panel and its label can help describe what’s already there. Do not remove covers to take photos. Include model details for new equipment, your intended schedule, and any other trades involved. Start with a free estimate and a clear discussion of the work.
See our service area →Frequently asked questions
Before you get started.
Is a panel replacement the same as a service upgrade?
No. A panel replacement changes the equipment distributing power to your circuits. A service upgrade changes the electrical capacity supplied to your property and may involve panel and other service equipment changes. The proposed work depends on your existing system and your plans.
Does adding an EV charger or new equipment always require a service upgrade?
Not necessarily. The existing service capacity and the electrical demands of the planned equipment need to be considered together. Discuss the equipment with Colt before assuming you need a larger service or a replacement panel.
Will the power need to be turned off?
Service and panel work can require a planned power interruption. Discuss the expected downtime and scheduling before work begins, particularly if you have equipment that needs continuous power.
Can service and panel work be part of an older-home update?
Yes. Tane Electric works on electrical updates in older homes, including service, panels, and related wiring needs. Tell us what you want to change so the work can be considered together.
Do I need an electrical permit?
Permit requirements depend on the electrical work and your property’s location. Talk directly to Colt about your project, and see our guide for local permitting authorities and inspection information. View Permits & Inspections →
Talk directly to Colt
Let’s talk about your project.
Tell us what needs attention and where you’re located. Start with a free estimate.
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