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Electrical service upgrades
More power for your building, with a shutdown nobody is surprised by.
When the building needs more electricity than it was built for, for EV chargers, heat pumps or ageing switchgear, we plan the upgrade from the load study to switching the power back on. Notices for residents included.
What is an electrical service upgrade?
An electrical service upgrade increases how much power a building can draw from the utility. It usually means replacing the main switch or switchgear, the metering equipment and the cables from the utility, and sometimes the utility's transformer. It is planned with the local utility and inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
When you need one
Signs your building has outgrown its service.
- Owners asking for EV chargersMore requests than your spare capacity can support, even with load management.
- Going electricHeat pumps, electric boilers or make-up air units replacing gas equipment.
- Main breaker trippingThe main breaker or feeders trip on the hottest or coldest days of the year.
- Switchgear in the reserve fund studyOriginal equipment that's hard to find parts for, or that an engineer has flagged.
- Insurer or ESA concernsA thermal scan or inspection report has flagged overheating or failing equipment.
- New amenitiesA gym, party room or commercial unit at grade that needs its own power.
The process
From load study to power back on.
You get one point of contact. We handle the utility, the ESA and the shutdown.
Load study
We measure what the building really uses, from utility demand data or by logging the load, and work out what it will need.
Options for the board
An upgrade isn't always the answer. We compare it with load management or smaller changes, with a price for each.
Utility application
We apply to your local utility and coordinate their part: new cables, metering and sometimes a new transformer.
Permit and equipment
We file the ESA notification and order the switchgear and panels, some of which take months to arrive.
Planned shutdown
We book the switch-over with you, write the notices for the lobby and elevators, and bring temporary power where it's needed.
Inspection and handover
ESA inspection, the utility reconnects, and you get updated drawings, panel directories and records.
Your options
Upgrade the service, or manage the load?
The load study tells you which one fits. Sometimes it's both: load management now, an upgrade when the reserve fund allows.
| Compare | Service upgrade | Load management |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Raises the total power the building can draw | Shares the existing spare capacity between chargers or equipment |
| Best when | Big new loads: DC fast chargers, electrification, additions | Adding Level 2 chargers where there is some spare capacity |
| Cost | Higher: equipment, utility work and a shutdown | Lower: a control system and wiring |
| Typical timeline | Months, mostly utility and equipment lead times | Weeks |
| Disruption | One planned power shutdown | Little or none |
Planning EV chargers? Most condo charger projects start with load management. See how we size chargers to the power you have.
EV chargersPlanned around residents
What we take off your plate.
Notices, written
Wording for the lobby, elevators and resident portal, posted well before the shutdown.
The least disruptive time
Usually an early weekday morning or overnight, booked with you and your superintendent.
Critical equipment covered
Temporary power for elevators, pumps, fire systems or security where they need it during the work.
Board-ready pricing
Itemized quotes with options, timed against your reserve fund study.
One contact
We deal with the utility, the ESA and the engineer, and keep you updated.
Records afterwards
Updated single-line drawings and panel directories for your building files.
Questions
Service upgrade questions.
How long does an electrical service upgrade take?
It depends mostly on the utility and on equipment lead times. Smaller upgrades can be done in a few weeks. Larger upgrades that need new switchgear or a new transformer can take several months from application to switch-over. The power shutdown itself is usually a few hours to a day.
Will residents lose power during a service upgrade?
Usually only during a planned shutdown while the new equipment is connected. We schedule it for the least disruptive time, write the notices for you, and arrange temporary power for critical equipment where needed.
Who does Kaion coordinate with on a service upgrade?
Your local utility, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), an electrical engineer when the design needs one, and you and your superintendent.
Can load management avoid a service upgrade?
Sometimes. For Level 2 EV chargers, load management often lets you add chargers without upgrading. For full electrification, an upgrade is usually needed. The load study shows which applies to your building.
Is there funding for electrical service upgrades?
When a service upgrade is part of an EV charging project, funding programs may cover part of the eligible electrical costs. We check when we look at rebates for your chargers.
Still have a question? Ask us ›
Get started
Find out what your building can handle.
A load study is the first step, whether you need an upgrade or not.
(905) 604-3448