Mains Upgrades for Owners Corporations in Melbourne
Increase the building supply capacity — when the current mains cannot handle modern power demands, we upgrade the entire supply.
Increasing Building Supply Capacity
Older buildings were designed for lower power demands. As residents add air conditioning, EV chargers and modern appliances, the existing mains supply can become overloaded:
- Frequent main trips – the main switch trips when multiple residents use high-power appliances simultaneously
- Inability to add EV chargers – the existing supply has no capacity for additional EV charging circuits
- Air conditioning strain – multiple split systems tripping the main during hot weather
- Planned building upgrades – adding lifts, security systems or commercial tenancies requires more supply
A mains upgrade increases the total power available to the building, eliminating trips and enabling future growth.
The DSO Process
Mains upgrades require coordination with your Distribution Service Operator (DSO):
- Application – we lodge the upgrade application with the DSO (AusNet, CitiPower, Jemena or Powercor)
- DSO truck visit – the utility provider sends a truck to upgrade the transformer and supply cables to the building
- Timing – DSO truck visits typically take 2–6 weeks to schedule, depending on the provider
- Cost – the DSO charges for the supply upgrade (typically $2000–$8000 for multi-unit buildings)
We handle the entire DSO process on your behalf — application, coordination and scheduling.
When OCs Need This
Owners corporations commonly need mains upgrades when:
- Adding EV chargers – multiple EV chargers in the car park require significant additional capacity
- Building renovations – adding commercial tenancies, gyms or community rooms increases power demand
- Aging supply – older 40A or 60A single-phase supplies are insufficient for modern multi-unit buildings
- Three-phase upgrade – converting from single-phase to three-phase for balanced loading and higher capacity
What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a mains upgrade take?
From application to completion, typically 4–10 weeks. The DSO truck visit takes 2–6 weeks to schedule. Our switchboard upgrade typically takes 1–2 days after the DSO visit.
Will residents lose power during the upgrade?
Yes — during the DSO truck visit, power is disconnected for approximately 2–4 hours. We schedule this at a time that minimises disruption, typically on a weekday morning. We provide notice to all residents in advance.
How much does a mains upgrade cost?
Total cost includes the DSO charges ($2000–$8000) plus our switchboard upgrade and labour. We provide a complete quote before any work starts, so there are no surprises.
Premium Service,
Quality Results,
Since 1963.
Over 63 years of trusted service across Melbourne
★★★★★
