Do I need a bigger service?
An EV charger, a heat pump, an ADU, a hot tub, or a wired shop each adds a large draw. We add up what the house uses now and what you plan to add. Many houses carry the new equipment with a new circuit or a new panel on the same service. When the total runs past what the service can carry, a larger service is the fix, and we price it separately so you can see the difference.
What the work includes
A service upgrade usually means a new meter base, new wires from the weatherhead down to the meter, a new main panel, and sometimes a taller or stronger mast. One customer had the whole set replaced in one project:
Project went extremely smooth, communication was great and guys were friendly to work with. Project area was left clean of debris. Highly recommend 4 Point and will call them back out when our next project comes up.
Project details: Replaced meter main and electrical panel (upgraded to 40/80) with new 4/0 service conductors, and mast. Wired in new backup generator connection for back feeding panel during outages.
Working with your utility
The utility owns the line to your house and the meter, so every service upgrade has their part and ours. We send the request to the utility, set the shut-off date with them, pull the electrical permit, and schedule the inspection. Once the inspector signs off, the utility reconnects the house and sets the new meter. SUB, EWEB, EPUD, Lane Electric, and Pacific Power each have their own steps for this, and we follow the one on your bill.
Jessie and his crew did a great job with my electrical installation. Replaced meter and house panel to run off a generator. Job site was left clean and no issues. Employees were polite and very knowledgeable with any questions I had. Definitely recommend them. Thanks again guys 😎 …
Overhead or underground
Many older homes in Springfield and Eugene get their power through overhead wires to a mast on the roof or the side of the house. Newer neighborhoods often have buried service. An overhead upgrade may mean a taller mast to keep the wires at the right height over the driveway or roof. An underground upgrade may mean new conduit from the meter to the utility's box. We'll tell you which applies after we look at the house.
Help paying for it
If EWEB supplies your power, its Electric Service Upgrade Assistance Program lists residential loans of "up to a $20,000 zero-percent interest loan" for meter base and panel replacement due to load growth or failure. Our service upgrade guide covers what each local utility offers.
… The electricians were friendly, prompt, and tidy. The work was done well and the overall experience was much nicer than expected. The whole situation was stressful and it was lovely to have this part go smoothly and quickly. …