SDG&E Undergrounding: Do You Need a Panel Upgrade? (Simple Homeowner Guide)
SDG&E is converting many San Diego neighborhoods from overhead power lines to underground systems. When construction shows up on your street, it’s normal to wonder:
“Am I going to need a new electrical panel because of this?” ⚠️
This guide breaks it down clearly.
1. What is SDG&E undergrounding?
Undergrounding is when SDG&E removes overhead power lines and replaces them with electrical lines buried underground.
Benefits include:
cleaner streets
fewer outages
reduced fire risk
But homeowners mostly care about one thing: does this affect my panel?
2. Does undergrounding automatically require a panel upgrade?
No.
Most homes do not need a new panel just because SDG&E is undergrounding the neighborhood.
But certain homes do get flagged depending on their existing equipment. 🔍
3. The 5 reasons SDG&E may require a panel upgrade
1️⃣ Old or obsolete panels
If you have:
Zinsco / Sylvania
Federal Pacific (FPE)
Pushmatic
or a heavily corroded panel
SDG&E will not reconnect them.
2️⃣ Overhead service being replaced with underground service
If your home currently has overhead lines, switching to underground may trigger:
a new meter location
new conduit
service relocation
These often require panel modernization.
3️⃣ Small or outdated panel size
Panels rated:
60A
70A
100A (sometimes borderline)
…might not pass reconnect requirements if your home’s electrical load is high.
EV chargers, heat pumps, and large appliances increase the chance of needing an upgrade.
4️⃣ Panel location violations
SDG&E can refuse reconnection if your meter/main is:
too close to windows
blocked by landscaping
next to gas equipment
recessed in an old-style cabinet
Undergrounding forces these issues to be corrected.
5️⃣ Outdated grounding and bonding
Homes with:
no ground rod
unbonded water piping
old SE cable with no grounding conductor
…often need upgrades before SDG&E reconnects service.
4. Quick 60-second self-check (homeowner version)
Look for the following:
✔️ Panel brand
If it says Zinsco, Sylvania, FPE, or Pushmatic → likely upgrade.
✔️ Service type
Overhead lines → higher chance.
✔️ Panel size
60A or 100A → might be flagged.
125A or 200A → usually fine.
✔️ Panel condition
Rust, corrosion, burnt breakers → likely upgrade.
5. How much does a panel upgrade cost in San Diego?
Most fall between $4,500 – $7,500 depending on:
location
grounding
panel type
conduit needs
permitting
This is normal during undergrounding projects.
6. What do homeowners need to do?
SDG&E handles:
trenching
utility conduit
new service lateral
meter reconnection
You handle:
panel upgrade (if required)
grounding upgrades
relocating panel if necessary
This is where a licensed electrician steps in.
7. When should you get your panel checked?
Good times to get ahead of the process:
when crews start trenching
when SDG&E leaves notices
when neighbors start talking about service changes
when new conduits appear on your street
You don’t need to panic — you just want clarity.
8. Want a quick yes-or-no answer?
I can tell you within minutes whether an upgrade is likely needed.
Just send photos of:
your panel (inside + outside)
your meter
your service lines
I’ll explain exactly what SDG&E will look for.
Conclusion
Undergrounding doesn’t automatically require a panel upgrade — but older or outdated panels often do. Getting ahead of the process helps you avoid surprises and stay aligned with SDG&E’s timeline.
