Coordinate Utility Needs for Your Kitchen Remodel
Many kitchen remodels require coordination with utility companies for gas line work, electrical panel upgrades, or service modifications. Planning this early prevents costly delays, as utility companies often have long lead times and limited scheduling availability. Understanding what your project needs helps you plan realistic timelines.
Quick Summary
4-8 weeks ahead
$1,500-4,000
$500-2,000
2-12 weeks
When You Need Utility Coordination
Not every kitchen remodel requires utility company involvement. Understanding when coordination is necessary helps you plan appropriately.
Electrical Utility Coordination
You likely need utility company involvement if:
- Your electrical panel needs upgrading
Common when moving from 100-amp to 200-amp service to support modern kitchen loads
- You're increasing your total electrical service
Adding high-draw appliances like double ovens, induction cooktops, or EV chargers
- The electric meter or service entry needs modification
Moving the meter location or upgrading service wiring from the street
- Power needs to be shut off at the transformer
Required for some panel upgrades and service modifications
Typical Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs
Gas Utility Coordination
You likely need gas company involvement if:
- You're converting from electric to gas appliances
Requires running new gas lines and potentially upgrading the gas meter
- Your gas meter needs upgrading
Adding a high-BTU range or multiple gas appliances may exceed current meter capacity
- Gas service needs to be relocated
Moving the gas meter or service entry point during renovation
- You need gas service shut off and restored
Some gas line work requires the utility to shut off service at the meter
Typical Gas Line Costs
How to Coordinate with Utility Companies
Determine Your Utility Needs Early
Work with your contractor during the planning phase to identify all utility requirements. Your electrician should evaluate whether your current panel can handle the additional load, and your plumber or gas fitter should assess gas line capacity.
Pro Tip: Get this assessment done before finalizing your appliance selections. Knowing your utility capacity helps you choose appliances that work with your existing infrastructure or budget for necessary upgrades.
Contact Utilities 4-8 Weeks in Advance
Utility companies often have limited scheduling availability, especially during busy seasons (spring and summer). Contact them early to secure your spot and understand their requirements.
What to Ask the Utility Company
- What is the current lead time for the work I need?
- What documentation or permits do you require?
- What work will you do vs. what my contractor handles?
- Are there any fees for service upgrades or modifications?
- How long will service be interrupted during the work?
- Do I need to be present during the work?
Coordinate Scheduling with Your Contractor
Utility work often needs to happen at specific points in the construction sequence. Work with your contractor to align utility visits with the project timeline.
Electrical Panel Work
Usually needs to happen before new circuits are connected. Schedule utility shutoff and inspection around rough electrical.
Gas Line Work
New lines installed during rough-in phase. Final connection and pressure test before appliance installation.
Plan for Service Interruptions
Utility work often requires temporary shutoffs. Prepare your household accordingly:
- Electrical shutoffs: Charge devices, plan for lighting needs, protect refrigerated/frozen food
- Gas shutoffs: Plan alternative cooking methods, consider water heater impact
- Water shutoffs: Fill containers, schedule around bathroom needs
Complete Required Inspections
Utility-related work typically requires inspections before service can be restored or upgraded:
- Electrical panel upgrades require inspection before utility reconnects power
- Gas line work requires pressure testing and inspection before gas is turned on
- Your contractor should coordinate inspection scheduling
Common Kitchen Remodel Utility Scenarios
Scenario: Adding a Gas Range (Currently Electric)
Converting from electric to gas cooking is a popular upgrade, but requires significant coordination:
- Gas line installation: Your plumber runs a new gas line from existing supply to range location ($500-1,500)
- Meter assessment: Contact gas company to verify meter capacity, upgrade if needed ($0-500)
- Electric work: Existing 240V outlet may be capped and converted to 120V for range accessories
- Permits: Gas permit required, inspection before use
Timeline impact: Add 2-4 weeks for gas company coordination
Scenario: Upgrading to Modern High-Draw Appliances
Installing an induction cooktop, double oven, or commercial-style appliances often requires electrical upgrades:
- Load calculation: Electrician calculates total kitchen load to determine if panel upgrade needed
- Panel upgrade: If needed, 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade ($1,500-3,000)
- Dedicated circuits: New 40-50 amp circuits for cooktop, oven, etc.
- Utility coordination: Panel upgrade may require utility shutoff at transformer
Timeline impact: Add 2-6 weeks for electrical utility coordination
Scenario: Moving the Range Location
Relocating your range requires extending or rerouting existing utilities:
- Gas range: Extend gas line to new location, cap old location ($300-800)
- Electric range: Run new 240V circuit to new location ($200-500)
- Ventilation: May need to reroute ductwork for range hood
Timeline impact: Usually minimal if no capacity upgrades needed
Tips for Smooth Utility Coordination
Start Early
Utility lead times can be 6-12 weeks during busy seasons. Contact them as soon as you know you'll need their services, even before permits are approved.
Get Everything in Writing
Document scheduled dates, estimated costs, and scope of work. Follow up phone conversations with email confirmations.
Build Buffer Time
Utility schedules can slip. Build 1-2 extra weeks into your timeline for utility-dependent work phases.
Let Your Contractor Lead
Experienced contractors know how to coordinate with utilities efficiently. Let them handle the details while you stay informed.
Understand Cost Responsibility
Utilities typically cover work from the street to your meter. Work from the meter in is usually your (contractor's) responsibility and cost.
Confirm Before Demolition
Don't start demolition until utility schedules are confirmed. Nothing worse than having a torn-up kitchen while waiting for the gas company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I contact utility companies?
Contact utility companies 4-8 weeks before you need their services. For major work like electrical panel upgrades or new gas service, some utilities have backlogs that can extend lead times to 6-12 weeks. Early contact allows you to plan around utility company schedules rather than having them delay your project.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel for a kitchen remodel?
You may need an electrical panel upgrade if: your current panel is at or near capacity, you're adding multiple new circuits, you're installing high-draw appliances like a double oven or induction cooktop, or your home has an older 100-amp panel that can't support modern kitchen electrical loads. Your electrician can assess your current capacity.
How much does a gas line installation cost?
Gas line installation for a kitchen typically costs $500-2,000, depending on the distance from the existing gas line, complexity of the routing, and local labor rates. If you're converting from electric to gas appliances, you may also need to upgrade your gas meter, which can add $300-500. Get quotes from licensed gas fitters or plumbers.
What utility work requires the utility company vs. a contractor?
Generally, work from the street to your meter is done by the utility company, while work from the meter into your home is done by licensed contractors. However, certain work like meter upgrades, service disconnection/reconnection, and load increases may require utility company involvement. Your contractor should know what requires utility coordination for your specific project.