As you electrify more items in your home, you’ll use more electricity. Depending on your home’s current electrical, or service, panel and wiring, you may need to upgrade for your system to handle the additional electrical loads. Keep reading to learn more about your current panel and what you may need to make your electrification goals into reality.
Your Current System
The first step in planning a panel or wiring upgrade is to understand your current system. Find your electrical panel and use this guide from our friends at Rewiring America to determine your panel size.
- If your panel is less than 100 Amps, you may need an upgrade for electrification projects. This article shares more about the conditions in which you may not need to upgrade.
- If your panel is between 100 and 150 Amps, you may be able to keep your existing panel as long as you plan your transition carefully.
- If your panel is greater than 150 Amps, you should not need to upgrade before you electrify, but we still recommend planning your electrification projects.
No matter the size, work with an electrician to make sure your panel is safe. Older panels may degrade and become unsafe over time, even if they’re sized appropriately for your home’s electrical needs.
In rare cases, your home may have knob and tube wiring. This system of wiring was phased out in the 1940s when better alternatives came along, but may still be present in older homes.
If you’re considering electrifying or have found evidence of this style of wiring, contact an electrician for next steps. If you do need to replace your wiring, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) offers loans that may be able to be used to upgrade your home’s wiring. Contact a loan officer for more details.
Financing and Incentives for Electrical Upgrades
If you and your electrician determine that you should upgrade your electrical panel, several utility, State, and federal programs are available to help offset the cost. Visit our incentives page for more information on the resources that may be available to you.
Put Safety First with a Panel and Wiring Upgrade
Outdated or insufficient electrical systems can be dangerous, especially as you add more electric equipment and technology to your home. By working with a qualified electrician on an electrical upgrade, you can ensure your home is ready for any electrification projects you want to take on, now and in the future. If you live in Hennepin County or Rochester and you’re ready to get started with an upgrade, contact an electrification advisor for free guidance on projects and financial resources. If you live outside that area, we recommend you contact a contractor to get started planning your upgrade.