The cost to run electrical from the road to your house ranges from $4,000 to $20,000, with an average of $12,250 depending on factors such as length or run and labor.
The cost of running a new electrical service from the road to your house is $12,250 on average for a length of 500 feet. Installing overhead lines costs $4,000 to $20,000 on average. You could pay as little as $3,000 or as much as $25,000 if you need to run lines a long distance across rough or challenging terrain. Most homeowners pay an average of $8 per square foot for this project, including labor and materials.
One major cost factor when running electrical lines from the road to your house is whether you run the line underground or overhead. Underground electrical lines will typically cost more, ranging anywhere from $500 to $150,000 while overhead costs $250 to $80,000.
For 500 feet of electrical line, the average cost is between $5,000 to $12,500. Installing overhead lines costs for 500 feet costs between $4,000 and $7,500. You’ll also want to factor in the desired length of your electrical line, as longer distances will drive up your final cost.
| Length of Electrical Line | Average Cost for Underground | Average Cost for Overhead |
|---|---|---|
| 50 feet | $500–$1,500 | $250–$500 |
| 100 feet | $1,000–$3,000 | $500–$700 |
| 150 feet | $1,500–$4,000 | $750–$3,000 |
| 200 feet | $2,000–$5,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 300 feet | $3,000–$8,000 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| 500 feet | $5,000–$12,500 | $4,000-$7,500 |
| 1,000 feet | $10,000–$25,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| ¼ mile | $13,000–$35,000 | $10,000–$20,000 |
| ½ mile | $25,000–$70,000 | $20,000–$40,000 |
| ¾ mile | $40,000–$100,000 | $30,000–$60,000 |
| 1 mile | $50,000–$150,000 | $40,000-$80,000 |
Hiring a local electrician is essential for the safety and success of this major project. Installing underground electrical service is a multi-profession project. Larger electrical companies may be able to tackle the entire job, bringing in excavators and laborers as they are required.
To install above-ground electrical service, you’ll want to hire a licensed electrical contractor. This is a pro who specializes in the planning and construction of an electrical system. While the title sounds similar to a professional electrician, electrical contractors have a special skill set for designing, building, and maintaining new electrical systems from start to finish.
On average, the cost to hire an electrician ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. Since running electrical is a complex task, you may choose to hire a master electrician for $90 to $120 per hour. Keep in mind that labor costs vary greatly based on how challenging the job is and your location.
If you have experience operating heavy machinery, you can rent an excavator for around $300 to $550 per day to dig the trench yourself. Still, you're likely better off letting a pro excavator tackle the job. Excavators charge between $120 to $150 per hour for most residential projects.
Land clearing costs: $1,400–$5,800
Cost to dig a trench: $400–$1,200
Landscaping: $500–$6,000
Hillside excavation: $1,000–$5,000
Hiring a general contractor to oversee your project can be a game changer. General contractors are responsible for managing all aspects of the project to ensure work is done in compliance with local codes. They also hire and oversee any subcontracted services, including electrical projects. These pros rarely charge by the hour; instead, general contractors charge 10% to 20% of your overall project cost.
Whether you're keeping your existing service or upgrading to a 200-amp service, the cost of the trenching, conduit, and new cable is the same. Your cost difference depends on whether you need to install an upgraded electrical panel and if any other wiring costs need to be added to your project total.
Upgrading to a 200-amp service costs between $750 and $2,000, including labor and parts. However, if you need to move your electrical panel or update old wiring, you can pay more than $4,000 for this service, on top of the tranching, conduit, and cable-running fees.
Because of the demands placed on the electrical services of modern households, 50-amp services are no longer currently installed. More commonly, your home runs on 100- or 150-amp services.
When converting your overhead service underground, you won’t need a new electrical panel or rewiring if sticking with your current amperage. But if you find your current service doesn’t meet your needs, or you want to future-proof your home, then it's smart to upgrade to the 200-amp option.
Equipment and materials account for 30% to 40% of the total project cost. Common items you may need include an excavator, wiring, a trenching machine, and conduits.
Trenching costs $600 to $1,200 on average, including professional labor and equipment. While some folks like to save money by DIYing this part, it's best to let a professional excavator handle it. You’ll experience significant project delays and cost hikes if you hit existing utility lines, dig in the wrong location, or clear it incorrectly.
Installing conduit costs $4 to $8 per linear foot, on top of the trenching costs. You can pay an additional $0.25 per linear foot if you upgrade from standard PVC to non-metallic half-inch PVC pipe, which brings your total to $4.25 to $8.25 per linear foot.
Trenching for electrical service costs $4 to $12 per linear foot. Digging the trench isn't terribly expensive, and the cost is split fairly evenly between labor and equipment. Labor typically costs $5.75 per linear foot, while equipment costs around $4 per linear foot. Also, expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000 on permit costs.
For such a major electrical project, you should not attempt to DIY any part of the job without the proper licensing and skills. Performing electrical work without experience can be extremely dangerous to yourself and others. At the very least, you’ll want to hire a licensed electrician and an excavator. While you may be able to save quite a bit by not hiring a general contractor, the role of a contractor is often invaluable to keep the project running smoothly. Investing in a skilled team of professionals can provide peace of mind, which is priceless.
Of course, if your property has existing electrical lines, you have the decision to either upgrade the existing lines or replace them altogether. While it depends on the scope of work, upgrading your electrical usually costs less, ranging from $750 to $4,000. On the other hand, running new electrical lines can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000.
When deciding whether to repair or replace, you’ll want to consider the current condition of your electrical panel and wiring, as well as your utility needs and preferences. Consult with your professional team to compare the costs of repairing vs. replacing.
Here are a few budget-friendly ways to save on running electricity from the road to your house:
Reach out to your utility company before hiring any professionals. Some companies may pay for part of the installation, provide a discount, or even run the line for free.
Before selecting your team of professionals, interview each one and gather estimates. While lower prices may be tempting, beware of unusually low prices. You’ll likely have to pay more for quality work.
Complete your project during the off-season, as pros charge more during peak times.
Avoid additional labor costs by regularly touching base with your general contractor. Minimize unnecessary delays by staying organized.
In general, running new electrical lines bolsters the safety, efficiency, and functionality of your home. That significant addition also increases the home’s value. Many homeowners who run new electrical lines or upgrade their electrical panel may see a return of 50% or more.
It's less expensive to run power overhead because it doesn’t require excavation, and the power cables are less costly. However, underground electric service is better protected from weather and general wear and tear, so it’s less likely to get damaged.
How far you can run underground electric depends on the wire gauge (generally AWG) and the circuit voltage. Too much voltage drop in an electrical circuit can negatively affect performance, so the smaller the voltage drop, the better. Ideally, it shouldn't exceed 3%. The smaller the wire and the longer the run, the more significant the voltage drop.
For example, with a 120-volt circuit, you can run 60 feet of 12 AWG cable without losing more than 3% voltage. With a 240-volt circuit, you can run 120 feet of 12 AWG wire while maintaining a voltage drop of 3% or less.
For a 200-amp underground service, you need a minimum of #2/0 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper or #4/0 AWG aluminum or copper-clad wire. And you'll need, at minimum a 1 1/2-inch schedule 40 or 80 PVC conduit.
Yes, you can run an above-ground electrical conduit and stay within National Electrical Code safety guidelines. Just make sure you check the code requirements of your project with the local building regulations office.
You can bury underground electrical wire six inches deep—but only if you use a rigid metal electrical conduit. For rigid, non-metallic conduits, bury the wire at least 12 inches deep. If using an underground feeder cable rated for direct burial, you'll need to place it at least 18 inches deep, as it has no conduit for extra protection.
