Question 1

Do I really need an electrical service upgrade?

Accepted Answer

Not every home does, but many older homes on the North Island were built with 100-amp services that were never designed for today’s electrical loads.
If you’re adding or planning for a heat pump, EV charger, hot tub, suite, renovation, or additional electric heating, your existing service may no longer have enough capacity. A proper load calculation will determine whether your current service can safely support your home’s needs or if an upgrade is required.

Question 2

What is included in an electrical service upgrade?

Accepted Answer

An electrical service upgrade typically involves increasing the capacity of your home’s electrical system, most commonly from 100 amps to 200 amps.
This usually includes:
 • Replacing the      electrical panel
 • Upgrading the meter      base and service conductors if required
 • Coordinating with BC Hydro for service disconnect and      reconnect
 • Pulling permits and      completing inspections with Technical      Safety BC
At New Leaf Electric, we manage the entire process so you don’t have to coordinate multiple parties or navigate permitting requirements on your own.

Question 3

How long does a service upgrade take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential electrical service upgrades can be completed in one to two days, depending on site conditions and BC Hydro scheduling.
We plan the work carefully, communicate timelines clearly in advance, and minimize disruption so your power is restored as efficiently as possible.

Question 4

Will my power be shut off?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There will be a temporary power outage while the service is safely disconnected and reconnected by the utility.
In most occasions, power is restored within eight hours of being turned off. We plan the work carefully, communicate expectations ahead of time, and do everything possible to minimize inconvenience.

Question 5

Do I need permits for an electrical service upgrade?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In British Columbia, electrical service upgrades require permits and inspections.
We handle permit applications, utility coordination, inspection scheduling, and final approval to ensure your service upgrade is completed safely, legally, and in full compliance with the electrical code.

Question 6

Will a service upgrade affect insurance or resale value?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in a positive way.
A modern electrical service improves safety, reduces risk, and is often viewed favourably by insurance providers. From a resale perspective, many buyers actively look for homes with updated electrical services, particularly 200-amp service, as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and all-electric homes become more common.
An electrical service upgrade is rarely questioned and is never a bad investment in your home.

Question 7

Why choose New Leaf Electric for an electrical service upgrade?

Accepted Answer

• Experience
Our crew has years of hands-on experience performing residential      electrical service upgrades. We understand the technical requirements,      common challenges, and regional considerations, and we help guide      homeowners through the entire process—from initial planning to a smooth      final inspection.
 • Service-first      professionals
We’re not a rough construction crew. Our electricians arrive in uniform,      communicate clearly, and treat your home with care and respect.
 • Fully      permitted and inspected work
We handle all required permits and coordination with BC Hydro and      Technical Safety BC, ensuring your service upgrade is completed safely and      in full compliance with code.
 • Clean,      organized job sites
Drop cloths, vacuums, and thorough cleanup are standard. Your home is left      as clean as we found it.
 • Clear      expectations and honest advice
We explain what’s required, what’s optional, and why, so you can make      informed decisions with confidence.
 • Local      and trusted
As a family-run business serving the North Island, we’re proud of our      strong local reputation and the trust homeowners place in us.  An electrical service upgrade isn’t just about increasing capacity. It’s about improving safety, reliability, and preparing your home for future electrical needs.

Question 8

Have questions about your electrical service?

Accepted Answer

If you’re unsure whether your home needs a service upgrade, a panel replacement, or simply a capacity review, New Leaf Electric would be happy to help. We’re always available to answer questions, review your setup, and provide clear, honest guidance so you can make the right decision for your home.

Question 9

What should I do to prepare for the electrical work?

Accepted Answer

Please clear the work area of items such as garbage, lawn equipment, furniture, and boxes. If there are heavy items that need to be moved, our crew will assist upon arrival. 
Make note of any questions or special requests you have for the installing crew. You can either direct them to our team or save them for the crew.

Question 10

Do I need to be home during the installation?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to be home during your project. However, we recommend meeting our crew at the beginning to go over the details and special considerations. If we are performing a larger project for you we recommend you are available and at the end for the final walkthrough.

Question 11

What if I have pets?

Accepted Answer

If you have indoor pets that are sensitive to noise or cannot be let outside, it’s advisable to keep them secure in another area of the home. Our crews are pet-friendly and happy to greet them to help ease their stress.

Question 12

What are the working hours for the installation crew?

Accepted Answer

We will arrange a start time with you as this will be dependant on the scope of your project.

Question 13

Will there be loud noises during the installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there may be loud banging, drilling, or cutting throughout the project. If you have small children who nap during the day, please let us know so we can plan louder tasks around those times.

Question 14

How will the crew protect my home during the installation?

Accepted Answer

We remove shoes and for work in specific areas (such as a panel replacement) we lay out protective floor coverings to safeguard your floors.
Our crew members will show the utmost respect for your home and care for it as they would their grandmother's house.

Question 15

Will I be without power for the installation?

Accepted Answer

When we are replacing your electrical equipment or performing electrical work, It may be necessary to shut off power.

Question 16

What happens at the end of the project?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the project, we will conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure everything meets your expectations. If we identify any adjustments that need to be made, we will address them immediately.

Your Questions are important to us!

Have Questions?

Contact Information

1-250-885-7502
dave@newleafelectric.ca

Service Area

Vancouver Island / Gulf Islands

Working Hours

Monday – Friday:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address

6601 North Island Hwy
Merville, BC - V0R 2M0

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