Wire gauge will not affect no-load voltage. Your reported voltage swings are very large and do not reflect well on your local utility's ability to provide you reliable source of electricity.
Voltage swings like this are likely accompanied by other imperfections such as noise.
You are a prime candidate for a power regeneration (rectification/inversion) unit.
@jasonbourne52 Erik's statement is correct. Lower gauge wire has a higher number. So if I have a number 12 wire and want to go to a higher gauge, I will go to a 10, not a 14.