Meter Base Replacement

Your electric meter is the responsibility of San Diego Gas & Electric, but the base it rests in is not.

Your meter base houses your electrical meter. It protects the meter’s components from the weather. It’s also the component of your electrical system that passes the power from the electric company to your panel. If something goes wrong with your base it affects your entire system.

Reasons to replace an electrical meter base

There are a few reasons you might want to get a replacement. The most common reason is it’s outdated and no longer up to building and safety codes. You may also need one at the same time you receive an electrical panel upgrade, or if you renovate your home.

A less common reason is that the meter base has been damaged somehow. Weather can damage meter boxes. Sometimes they just experience a common wiring problem. A meter box has two components inside. The wires are the first component, vital for carrying the electricity into your home. The second component are the lugs. The wires attach to the lugs. If the lugs become loose the wires can overload and burn up.

The interior of your meter can also grow corroded as it grows older, which can create an electrical hazard.

Signs your electrical meter base is in trouble

God reasons to check your meter base include: flickering lights, a partial power outage (affecting only some parts of the house), or appliances that won’t turn on.

Meter base problems are more than an inconvenience. If faulty wiring is the culprit it’s a fire hazard. Treat it as an emergency, and call us right away to get service fast. You should also call if the meter base gets hot to the touch.

Did you have a “smart” electrical meter installed?

Unless you paid the opt-out fee, it’s likely San Diego Gas & Electric has installed a smart meter into your home, or plans to do so. Often, smart meters are not compatible with the original meter box. If your installation was recent it’s a good idea to get it checked by a licensed electrician. We can tell you whether the installation is functioning as it should, or whether you need a new meter base.

How much does electrical meter base replacement cost?

It doesn’t cost as much as you may fear. In many cases, we can replace a meter base for less than $300.  Once you replace your meter base you can expect it to last 30 years or so, unless something unusual happens.

Contact Premo Electric today to schedule a free inspection and estimate. If you don’t need a new meter base, we’ll tell you. And if you do, you’ll know exactly what to expect, with no surprises. When we’re done, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your electrical system is safe and able to handle modern power loads.