My Experience Upgrading an Electric Panel in San Diego

Dec 28

Back in July, I started what I thought would be a straightforward project: upgrading the electric panel of my San Diego home.

Built in 1958, the house was equipped with a 70-amp panel – adequate for its size, but limiting for any modern enhancements like solar panels or electric vehicles. With an eye on future-proofing my home, I contacted SDG&E to upgrade to a 200-amp panel.

1. The Waiting Game and Bureaucratic Hurdles

After taking a few weeks to acknowledge my request, SDG&E finally agreed to send out a field rep in October. Surprisingly, right before November, I was informed that the upgrade was approved without any site visit. This was the first in a series of bureaucratic puzzles I encountered. 🙃

2. Scheduling Nightmares

The next step required coordinating with SDG&E to disconnect the main line for the upgrade.

The process was far from smooth, with unresponsive phone lines and missed calls, stretching over another four weeks. Once I secured a disconnect schedule, I hit another roadblock: the city's permit approval. 😮‍💨

3. City Permitting Office: A Lesson in Patience

I approached the city permitting office, expecting a swift process. However, after paying a hefty $438 fee for a “no plans over the counter permit”, the actual issuance of the permit was anything but prompt. Despite promises of a same-day issue, it took weeks of follow-ups to finally secure the permit. 😵‍💫

4. Aligning the Stars: SDG&E, City Inspector, and Electrician

Coordinating the schedule between SDG&E, the city inspector, and my electrician felt akin to herding cats. However, after persistent efforts, I managed to align all parties for the installation day. 🙌

5. Installation Day: A Swift Success!

Unlike the preceding bureaucratic entanglement, the installation day was remarkably efficient.

The entire process took less than five hours from disconnection to reconnection – a welcome change after the five months of administrative wrangling.

“An interesting insight: my electrician noted the prevalence of unpermitted panel upgrades, explaining why many people choose to bypass the cumbersome official procedures. Despite the hassles, I’m grateful I got the job done right!”

Final Thoughts: Navigating Regulations

While I advocate for adherence to regulations and proper permitting, my experience highlights the frustration and inefficiencies in the system. Such bureaucratic labyrinths can be daunting, especially for investors, flippers, and homeowners looking to make quick and necessary upgrades.

It's crucial to follow the rules and work with licensed professionals, but my saga with the electric panel upgrade highlights the need for a more streamlined, efficient process in handling essential home improvements.

Alright guys, that’s it for me today! See you in my next one.

Brent Edwards (aka Brent the Broker) is a residential real estate agent and Realtor in San Diego, CA who helps clients buy and sell homes in San Diego, California and all surrounding areas. Brent is a highly-recommended Realtor in San Diego by family, friends and past clients. Call Brent today at 619-550-8070 if you have any questions about real estate in San Diego or you'd like to buy or sell a home.