How much does an underground service upgrade cost in San Diego?
We found no reliable published San Diego price, so we do not quote one. It usually costs more than an overhead upgrade because of trenching and SDG&E requirements. City of San Diego records show only 7 such residential permits issued Jan 1–Oct 15, 2026. Get 2–3 written quotes.
Source: see the sources cited on this page · Last updated: October 17, 2026 · Prices are public ranges or declared permit values, not quotes.
What we know (and don't)
- Price: no San Diego source we trust publishes an underground-service price, so we won't make one up. Expect it to cost more than an overhead swap because of trenching and SDG&E's underground requirements. Get 2–3 written quotes.
- How common: 7 residential electrical permits on 6 parcels in the City of San Diego described underground service or trenching for service (Jan 1–Oct 15, 2026). Very small sample.
- Overhead baseline: for comparison, a standard 100A → 200A upgrade is $2,800–$4,200 installed (source: Bright Pro Electric (San Diego, updated Sep 2026)).
Questions to ask the electrician
- Does SDG&E need to change anything on their side of the meter, and who books it?
- Is trenching, conduit and patching hardscape included in the price?
- Is the permit fee a separate line? (City of SD: $176.57 up to 200A.)
- How long will power be off?
Frequently asked questions
How much does an underground service upgrade cost in San Diego?
We found no reliable published San Diego price. It usually costs more than an overhead upgrade because of trenching and utility requirements; get 2–3 written quotes.