Do I always need a 200 amp upgrade to install a heat pump in BC?

Not always. Many homes already have 200 amp service and can accommodate a heat pump without any electrical work. Homes with 100 amp panels — common in houses built before the 1990s — typically do need an upgrade, especially if you're also running an electric range, EV charger, or electric dryer. A site assessment will confirm what your panel can handle.

How much does a 200 amp service upgrade cost in BC?

In the Lower Mainland, a 200 amp service upgrade typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000 depending on the complexity of the work, distance from the meter to the panel, and whether BC Hydro requires a service entrance upgrade. Most homes fall in the $3,000–$4,000 range. Grove Electric provides firm quotes after a site visit.

Can the electrical upgrade be included in my CleanBC rebate?

The CleanBC Better Homes and Energy Savings programs cover the heat pump equipment and installation, but not the electrical panel upgrade itself. However, BC Hydro's PowerSmart program and some municipal programs occasionally offer rebates for panel upgrades — we'll let you know what's available when we assess your home.

How long does a 200 amp upgrade take?

Most residential 200 amp service upgrades take one full day. BC Hydro will need to disconnect and reconnect power at the meter, which is coordinated in advance. You'll typically be without power for 2–4 hours during the switchover.

Who does the electrical work — Grove Mechanical or Grove Electric?

Grove Electric, our sister company, handles all electrical work including panel upgrades. Both companies are under the same ownership and work together on heat pump projects, so you get one coordinated team, one point of contact, and no finger-pointing between trades.

What size heat pump can a 100 amp panel support?

A 100 amp panel can sometimes support a smaller ductless mini-split (9,000–18,000 BTU) if the rest of the home's electrical load is modest — no electric range, no EV charger, no electric dryer. For a central ducted heat pump or a whole-home system, a 200 amp panel is strongly recommended.

Is a permit required for a 200 amp upgrade in BC?

Yes. All electrical panel upgrades in BC require a permit and inspection by Technical Safety BC. Grove Electric handles all permitting as part of the job — you don't need to do anything.

★ CleanBC Rebates Available — Up to $16,000+ for Income-Qualified Households

[email protected]604-371-4949

Electrical Guide

200 Amp Service Upgrade
for Heat Pump Installation in BC

What it costs, when you need it, and how Grove handles the whole thing — electrical and HVAC under one roof.

The Short Answer

Do You Need a 200 Amp Upgrade?

Likely Yes — If Your Home Has:

✕A 100 amp panel (common pre-1990s homes)
✕Electric range or electric dryer
✕An EV charger or planning to add one
✕Electric baseboard heating throughout
✕A hot tub or sauna
✕A home built before 1985

Probably Not — If Your Home Has:

Already has 200 amp service
Gas range and gas dryer
No EV charger (and not planning one)
Newer construction (post-2000)
Installing a small ductless mini-split only
Modest overall electrical load

Not sure? We assess your panel as part of every heat pump quote — no extra charge.

Real Numbers

What Does a 200 Amp Upgrade Cost in BC?

Lower Mainland pricing as of 2025. Every home is different — these are typical ranges for a straightforward residential upgrade.

What's IncludedLow EndHigh End

200A panel replacement (labour + materials)$1,800$2,800

BC Hydro service entrance upgrade (if required)$500$1,200

Permit & Technical Safety BC inspection$200$400

Misc. wiring, breakers, conduit$150$400

Typical Total$2,650$4,800

The upgrade cost vs. the heat pump rebate

If you're switching from gas heat, the CleanBC Energy Savings Program provides up to $10,500–$16,000 in heat pump rebates for income-qualified households. Even with a $3,500 panel upgrade, most homeowners come out significantly ahead. For electric-heat homes, the rebate is $4,000 — still enough to offset most panel upgrades.

The Process

How It Works When Grove Handles Both

Free In-Home Assessment

Grove Mechanical visits to size the heat pump. We check your panel at the same time — no extra trip, no extra charge. If an upgrade is needed, Grove Electric provides a firm quote on the spot.

Permits Pulled — We Handle It

Grove Electric pulls the electrical permit with Technical Safety BC. We coordinate the BC Hydro disconnect/reconnect. You don't make a single call.

Panel Upgrade Day (One Day)

Your 100 amp panel comes out, a 200 amp panel goes in. BC Hydro disconnects power for 2–4 hours during the switchover. Most homes are fully powered again by end of day.

Heat Pump Installation

Once the panel is upgraded and inspected, Grove Mechanical installs your heat pump — often the next day. One project, two trades, zero coordination headaches for you.

Rebate Paperwork Submitted

We submit all CleanBC rebate paperwork on your behalf. You receive the rebate cheque in the mail — typically within 6–10 weeks.

HVAC + Electrical Under One Roof

Grove Electric is our sister company. When your heat pump project needs an electrical upgrade, both trades coordinate seamlessly — one call, one project, one team. No scheduling conflicts, no miscommunication between contractors.

Grove Electric

FAQ

Common Questions

Get Started

Get a Free Heat Pump + Electrical Assessment

One visit. We size the heat pump, check your panel, and give you a complete picture — equipment cost, electrical upgrade cost, and rebates you qualify for. No surprises.

Call 604-371-4949 See Heat Pump Options

Heat Pump Installation CleanBC Rebates Electrical Services Furnace to Heat Pump Conversion Energy Savings Rebate