How much does it cost to install a new electric meter?

Answer 1

Changing out a meter base is a complicated job in as much as you have to know wire sizes, ampacity of wires and proper electrical workmanship. Such a project should be left to a licensed electrical contractor to take out the proper permits and call for proper inspections. By taking this route it will leave you confident that if any mishaps happen to the installation down the road your insurance company will be behind you 100%.

The labour to do a simple old to new change out, where the meter base is located on the outside of the home, will be in the neighbourhood of 5-6 hours. Using 6 hours times the charge out rate of the contractor will give you a ball park figure of what it will cost. Two hours for two people plus two hours for material gathering and travel time to your location. These hours are for replacing an old meter for a new meter using the existing conductors. Obtain three quotes from individual electrical contractors. These quotes should not cost you anything. If there is a price for the quotes look for another contractor. When you talk to the contractor make sure that the price for a permit is in his quote. If the contractor states that you will not need a permit, look for another contractor.