Three different jobs
| Job | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Service upgrade | More power from the utility: the meter base, the mast, or underground line into the house, and the wires from there to the panel. The utility has its own steps for the new connection. |
| Panel replacement | A new breaker box, often on the same service, with room for new circuits and every breaker labeled. |
| Whole-house rewiring | New wire to the outlets, lights, and appliances through the house, often replacing knob and tube or ungrounded wiring. |
A utility program for service work usually lists the meter, panel, and service equipment. Ask before you count on it to cover rewiring through the house.
EWEB's Electric Service Upgrade Assistance Program
EWEB offers residential customers "up to a $20,000 zero-percent interest loan," with a 48-month term under $5,000 and a 60-month term at $5,000 and over. It also lists "Limited Income residential customers: up to a $5000 grant." In EWEB's words, "Income must be under 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines," the "Home must be Owner-Occupied," "The customer must request at least two estimates to be reviewed by an EWEB project manager prior to authorizing work," and "Pre-approval required." The EWEB guide has the full list.
Customers of SUB, Emerald PUD, Lane Electric, and Pacific Power should ask their own utility about service work. The programs in our guides for those utilities are tied to equipment like chargers and heat pumps.
Questions for your estimate
- What's prompting the work: a new heat pump, charger, or hot tub, an old panel, or storm damage?
- Which lines on the estimate are service, panel, and rewiring?
- Who patches the walls after a rewire?
- Which permit and utility steps are part of the job?
We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and work through the utility's steps for the new connection.
Utility pages
Program details checked October 25, 2026.