How much does three phase power cost?
Upgrading a switchboard where three phase supply already exists costs $3,500–$6,500 in Sydney. Bringing three phase to a property that doesn't have it typically runs $3,000–$8,000, and considerably more if the street has no three phase mains.
Three phase power cost
Sydney, 2026. The network side is the wide variable.
| The job | Price |
|---|---|
| Three phase switchboard upgradeSupply already three phase, board isn't | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Single to three phase supply upgrade, overheadWhere three phase mains exist in the street | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Single to three phase, underground serviceMore civil work, more cost | $5,000 – $8,000+ |
| Street has no three phase mainsNetwork augmentation. Can run to tens of thousands | quote required |
| Three phase submain to a shed or workshopOnce supply and board exist | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Load management instead of upgradingOften the cheaper honest answer | $300 – $900 |
These are indicative market ranges for Sydney in 2026, not a quote. What you pay depends on your switchboard, access and what we find. We confirm a fixed price before starting, and it doesn't move.
Before you upgrade, check whether you need to
Three phase gets sold more often than it's needed, so it's worth being clear about what actually justifies it:
- Equipment that requires it — workshop machinery, larger pumps, some commercial gear.
- Genuine capacity limits — where your combined load exceeds what a single phase service can carry.
- Fast EV charging at 11kW or 22kW, or two vehicles at once.
What doesn't justify it: wanting things to "run better", or being told it'll reduce your bill. It won't. You're billed for energy consumed, not how it's delivered.
And before you commit, ask about load management. Where the problem is peak coincidence rather than total capacity — the aircon, the pool pump and the EV charger all wanting to run at 6pm — a load-managing arrangement at $300–$900 often solves it for a fraction of a supply upgrade.
Common questions
How much does it cost to upgrade to three phase power?
$3,500–$6,500 if the supply is already three phase and only the board needs upgrading. $3,000–$8,000 to bring three phase to a property that doesn't have it, and potentially far more if the street has no three phase mains and network augmentation is needed.
How do I know if I already have three phase?
Look at the main switch — a three phase board has a main switch spanning three poles, and you'll usually see three service cables at the meter. Send us a photo and we'll tell you in a minute.
Will three phase lower my power bill?
No. You're billed for energy consumed. Anyone selling three phase as a bill-reduction measure is misleading you.
How long does an upgrade take?
The electrical work is one to two days. The network application in front of it is the long part — allow several weeks.
Do I need three phase for an EV charger?
Not for a 7kW single phase charger, which covers overnight charging for almost everyone. Yes for 11kW or 22kW, or for charging two vehicles quickly at once.
Is load management cheaper than upgrading?
Usually, and often it's the right answer. If the issue is everything wanting to run at once rather than genuine total capacity, load management at $300–$900 beats a supply upgrade many times the price.
What customers say
Jason solved a really complex problem for our house with excellent professionalism and workmanship. Highly recommend, would def work with him again. On time delivery and within budget.
Jason onsite quickly and completed the work on the spot, giving us a good price and was very polite. Would highly recommend.
Fantastic service! Friendly, efficient and well priced. Highly recommend. Thank you for swiftly fixing our switches.
These are Google reviews for our team at Cync Electrical & Automation — the licensed contractor behind Hills Electrician. 5.0 from 20 reviews. — see the profile
Told you need three phase?
Get a second opinion before you commit. Call 0422 253 379.
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