DC panel upgrades are a different animal
Most DC homes are over 80 years old, with knob-and-tube remnants, undersized service drops, and meter bases shared between row units. A "panel upgrade" in DC often turns into a meter relocation, a coordinated Pepco service-drop change, and a DCRA permit with a same-day inspection window.
Typical 2026 pricing in Washington, DC
- 100A to 200A row-home service upgrade: $3,200 – $5,200
- Panel-only replacement (service stays): $2,400 – $3,600
- Meter base relocation or rebuild: +$700 – $1,500
- Knob-and-tube branch rework (per circuit): $250 – $600
- Federal Pacific replacement: $2,800 – $4,400
- Whole-home surge protection: $450 – $750
- EV-ready 60A circuit add: $800 – $1,400
Condo panel work is its own scope — building engineer coordination, COI submission, and freight elevator scheduling can add 1–2 days to the timeline.
Pepco coordination and timing
For overhead service changes Pepco needs a Service Connection Request with at least 5 business days of notice. Underground services in NW and Capitol Hill take longer. We file the SCR, schedule the meter pull, and coordinate the drop reconnection so the homeowner only has one window without power.
DCRA permits and inspections
DCRA accepts online filings and most residential service changes are reviewed within 1–2 business days. Inspections are scheduled same-week and routinely passed first visit when paperwork is complete.
When a DC homeowner actually needs the upgrade
- Adding a heat pump, induction range, or EV charger
- Replacing a panel with Federal Pacific or Zinsco breakers
- Recurring tripped main during summer AC load
- Insurance carrier flagged the panel during a renewal inspection
- Removing knob-and-tube as part of a renovation
What we include in every DC panel upgrade
A licensed DC master electrician on site every day, all permits and inspection fees, a Square D QO or Siemens main panel, new meter base if the existing one shows heat damage, new grounding electrodes, water and gas bonding, AFCI/GFCI breakers per current NEC, surge protection, and a printed circuit directory.
If you want a written estimate from a licensed electrician in Maryland, Washington DC, or Northern Virginia, call Flash Power LLC at (202) 926-7065 or request a free quote.