Electrical service line installation or replacement typically costs $1,500-$8,000, with an average near $4,000; long underground runs or major service upgrades can exceed $10,000. The electrical service line to a house cost depends mainly on whether the route is overhead or underground, the distance from the utility connection, the service capacity, and who owns the equipment being replaced.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overhead service line work | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | Short, accessible run; utility work may be separate |
| Underground service line work | $2,500 | $5,500 | $12,000+ | Trenching and surface restoration can raise cost |
| Service panel upgrade with line work | $3,000 | $6,000 | $12,000+ | Often includes meter or grounding changes |
What a typical house service-line quote includes
A straightforward overhead replacement for a typical 100- or 200-amp home service often totals $1,500-$4,000. A new underground service with 50-100 feet of trenching commonly runs $3,500-$8,000, excluding unusually extensive paving or landscaping repairs. A combined panel and service upgrade may cost more because the electrician must bring related equipment up to current requirements.
Most homeowners pay about $2,500-$5,500 when the route is accessible and the panel does not need major replacement. Quotes may cover the electrician’s work only; utility charges and utility-owned line work can be billed or arranged separately. Assumptions: typical U.S. labor rates, standard copper or aluminum conductors, normal access, and no major structural repairs.
Meter, conductors, labor, and permits in the estimate
Ask for an itemized quote that separates the electrician’s scope from utility work. The ranges below are common planning estimates, not fixed national rates; permit fees and utility policies vary locally.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes it | Common unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service cable and fittings | $300-$1,500 | Conductor size, material, and route | $5-$25 per ft for cable and fittings |
| Electrician labor | $600-$2,500 | Crew size, access, and outage coordination | $75-$150 per hour |
| Meter base or service equipment | $300-$1,500 | Amperage and required replacements | Per installation |
| Trenching and backfill | $500-$3,000 | Run length, soil, and obstacles | $5-$25 per ft |
| Permit and inspection | $50-$500 | Local jurisdiction and scope | Per job |
Labor can be estimated as hours multiplied by the electrician’s hourly rate. A basic replacement may take 4-8 hours on site, while underground work or panel changes can require one or more days, utility scheduling, and inspection delays.
Overhead drops cost less than long underground runs
An overhead service drop from a nearby pole is generally less expensive to install or replace because it avoids trenching. A short run may cost $1,000-$3,500 for electrician work, depending on whether the mast, weatherhead, meter base, or service entrance cable also needs replacement. A damaged roof attachment or difficult ladder access can add labor and materials.
Underground service is often $2,500-$8,000 for a typical residential route, with longer or obstructed runs reaching $10,000-$15,000 or more. Trenching near a driveway, patio, mature trees, or buried utilities can substantially increase the price. For underground quotes, compare the full route and restoration scope, not just the cable rate per foot.
Which service size and distance raise the price?
Amperage and run length matter because larger services generally require heavier conductors and appropriately rated equipment. Replacing a 100-amp service with a similar setup can cost less than upgrading to 200 amps; the upgrade may require a larger meter base, panel, grounding system, or utility-side changes. Homes adding electric vehicle charging, heat pumps, or electric ranges may need a load calculation before choosing a size.
For underground installation, each additional 25 feet may add roughly $125-$625 for trenching alone at $5-$25 per foot, before extra wire or restoration. Rock, concrete, steep grades, and buried lines can push excavation above that range. A 200-amp upgrade or an underground route over 100 feet should be quoted as a defined scope rather than a flat replacement price.
When the utility company charges separately
The utility generally controls its distribution equipment and sets the rules for connecting or disconnecting service; ownership of the line between the utility connection and the house varies by location. Some utilities replace or reconnect their portion without a direct homeowner charge, while others assess fees for extensions, relocations, or special work. Ask the utility to identify its responsibility in writing before accepting an electrician’s quote.
Temporary disconnection, reconnection, engineering review, or a service relocation can add fees that are not included in a contractor’s price. Permits commonly cost $50-$500, and required inspections may affect scheduling. Confirm whether the estimate includes utility coordination, permit fees, inspection corrections, and reconnection.
Three common project totals for U.S. homes
A short overhead replacement for a 100-amp service might total $1,500-$3,000, with 4-6 labor hours and no panel replacement. A 200-amp overhead upgrade with a new meter base and grounding work may run $3,500-$6,500 and take 8-12 labor hours. A 200-amp underground replacement with 75 feet of trenching and basic yard restoration may cost $5,000-$10,000, depending on soil and access.
These examples assume routine access and standard materials; local labor and utility charges can shift totals by 20%-40%. For a useful comparison, request written estimates that specify amperage, route length, conductor material, trench restoration, panel work, and exclusions.
How to lower the service-line bill without cutting safety
Keep the existing route when it is safe and code-compliant, and avoid combining a service replacement with unrelated panel or meter upgrades unless the inspection or load calculation calls for them. If trenching is necessary, ask whether the homeowner can complete permitted excavation or surface preparation; utility and electrical rules may restrict who can perform work near energized equipment.
Compare at least two licensed electrician estimates using the same scope, and ask whether aluminum conductors are an approved option for the installation. Schedule non-emergency work early enough to coordinate the utility rather than paying for rush service. Do not reduce conductor size, omit grounding, or bypass permits to save money. Those shortcuts can create fire hazards, failed inspections, and costly rework.