The Complex Process of Underground Service Upgrades in Toronto
In today’s world of increasing electrification, many homes in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) require service upgrades to meet modern energy demands. This process, particularly for underground service upgrades, can be both challenging and costly depending on the type of service initially installed in the home.
To help homeowners gain a better understanding, we’ll delve into the specifics of underground service upgrades in Toronto—especially when dealing with Toronto Hydro. By the end of this article, we’ll also cover some alternative methods for safely managing electrical installations without needing an upgrade.
Please note: This article specifically addresses underground service upgrades for Toronto Hydro customers. If your service provider is Alectra, Hydro One, or Newmarket Hydro, you’re in the clear—for now.
Understanding the Grid Setup
Without a basic understanding of your home’s electrical system, this process may seem confusing. So, let’s begin by briefly explaining how underground electrical grids typically function in Toronto neighborhoods.
What is an Underground Service?
Unlike traditional overhead services, which rely on hydro poles and house masts, underground services deliver electricity through cables buried beneath the ground. In most neighborhoods, there’s an underground transformer located on one property that serves multiple homes. These transformers may be located in a pit or housed in an above-ground box (see Figures 1 and 2).
The transformer generally feeds power to 10 or more homes in the neighborhood, depending on its capacity (Figure 3). From the transformer, secondary cables run underground to each home’s meter base, where electricity is then distributed to the home’s electrical panel (Figure 4).
However, a common misconception is that these wires are always run through a conduit to your meter base. In many older neighborhoods, this isn’t the case. Often, the wires run directly underground without any protective conduit, making replacement difficult and costly.
The Objective: Upgrading from 100A to 200A Service
The typical goal for many homeowners is to upgrade their service from 100 amps to 200 amps. Achieving this requires upgrading the wires to handle the increased load. The distance from the transformer to your meter base plays a significant role in determining the overall cost. In addition to upgrading the cables, the meter base, conduits, and electrical panel must also be upgraded to accommodate the higher service level.
Let’s break down the roles involved in this upgrade process:
- Upgrading Wires from Transformer to Property Line
The responsibility for upgrading the wires from the transformer to the customer’s property line lies with the utility company—Toronto Hydro in this case. This work is typically done on city property and may involve trenching, digging, or using less invasive methods like torpedo boring. Toronto Hydro will quote the cost based on the specific site conditions.
2. Upgrading Wires from the Property Line to the Meter Base
Once Toronto Hydro has completed the upgrade to the property line, a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) takes over. The LEC’s job is to connect the wires from the property line to the meter base and eventually to the new 200A panel. This part of the process may also require civil work, which the LEC will complete.
3. Upgrading from Meter Base to Electrical Panel
Once the cables reach the meter base, the LEC will handle the rest of the work, which includes installing conduits, grounds, and the new electrical panel. After all existing circuits are connected to the new panel, the final step is to energize the panel following an inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
Starting the Process
The first step in any service upgrade is to contact a reputable electrical contractor. If you’re unsure who to work with, we’ve written a guide—“Choosing a Licensed Electrical Contractor”—that can help you find the right company, like Foxwood Electric.
Once you’ve chosen a contractor, the process begins with a Toronto Hydro service locate. A locate involves Toronto Hydro visiting the site to start the design process. There’s a non-refundable fee of $1,000 to $1,500 for this service, but it may be credited towards the overall project cost. Currently, Toronto Hydro often contracts DPM Energy to perform these locates.
DPM Energy’s role is to assess the site and determine what’s required to upgrade the service. They’ll evaluate the existing transformer to ensure it can handle the increased load, determine where the new service will be installed, and provide the LEC with a site drawing and quote for Toronto Hydro’s portion of the work. This process typically takes 10-15 business days.
Estimating the Costs
Only after receiving the locate report can the LEC prepare an estimate for the project. It’s essential to note that Toronto Hydro’s costs can be 2-3 times higher than the LEC’s, and contractors who exclude Toronto Hydro’s fees in their estimates may leave homeowners facing unexpected expenses.
For example, one homeowner began the process with an LEC without first obtaining a locate. Once they received Toronto Hydro’s quote, the project became too costly, but they had already paid the LEC and begun excavation. This underscores the importance of working with a trustworthy contractor who can guide you through the process without hidden surprises.
Costs for upgrading the service from the property line to the meter base typically range from $6,000 to $15,000, depending on the distance and civil work required. Additionally, homeowners should budget for potential landscaping costs to restore their property after the work is completed.
Alternatives to a 200A Service Upgrade
In many cases, homeowners opt not to pursue the costly upgrade after realizing the scope and cost involved. Fortunately, alternatives exist for those looking to avoid a full upgrade.
One common alternative is load shedding, which allows homeowners to manage electrical demand without upgrading to a 200A service. Load-shedding systems automatically turn off lower-priority devices (like an oven) to provide power to higher-priority items (like an electric vehicle charger). While these systems can be expensive, they are often much more affordable than a full-service upgrade.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped clarify the process of underground service upgrades in Toronto. If you have any questions or need assistance with your project, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you through the process every step of the way.
