If it's on the same circuit, then it's just a bigger box, a bigger faceplate and another duplex receptacle to mount beside the first one. A few bucks more in actual material costs. Totally useless if you are going to be using a power strip anyways. If this is the case, what benefit did the electrician tell you it would give you?

If they ran another circuit there (ie. one duplex is on one circuit, the other duplex is on another circuit) then that would be more expensive and could potentially be useful.

Additional receptacles is encouraged in media closets. Especially when a risk of fire in that closet is reduced. The price increase sounds rather excessive if not a customized job.

Since the electrician is there, also have installed the only protector necessary for protection from destructive surges. A 'whole house' protector. That means superior protection AND for maybe tens or 100 times less money.

Additional receptacles is encouraged in media closets. Especially when a risk of fire in that closet is reduced

Can you explain your reasoning that more receptacles would mean less fire risk?

"the only protector necessary for protection from destructive surges. A 'whole house' protector."

Point if use protection is still recommended, especially for expensive equipment.

It is called 'protection in depth' since surges can be induced after a whole house protector.

Thank you all for responding. I asked my GC about the upcharge, and it turns out he did not notice the outlet in that closet on the plans, so he had charged us for the whole outlet. He is not going to charge us anything for the upgrade to quad now.

We are waiting for a quote for a whole house surge protector, but still plan to use surge suppressor power strips for computers, TVs and related equipment.