How much does it cost to replace an outdoor meter box?

Author: Meggie Hyatt  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

How Much Will An Electric Meter Box Replacement Cost? The cost of replacing an outdoor electrical meter box typically falls within the range of $1,700 to $5,000 or more, with an average expenditure of around $2,500 for most homeowners depending on pre-existing conditions.

How much does it cost to replace an outside electrical box?

The cost of replacing an outside electrical box runs between $500 to $5,000 on average, though most homeowners will spend around $1,000. But if you own a large home with a 400-amp box, your replacement project could cost as much as $5,000.

Who is responsible for the outside electricity box?

This information can help you determine if this may be the case at your property. Homeowners are responsible for electrical equipment attached to the house, such as the meter box and weather head. If any equipment is damaged, contact a licensed electrician to schedule repairs.

What to do if the meter box is broken?

Contact Your Utility Company: Reach out to your electric utility provider as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on the next steps and may need to send a technician to assess the situation. Document the Damage: Take photos of the broken cover for your records and to share with your utility company if necessary.

How much does a new meter box cost?

Electric meter box replacement costs $500 to $2,100 on average, depending on the meter size, location, installation complexity, and code requirements. New outside electrical meter box prices are $50 to $750, depending on the amperage. Adding a separate electricity meter costs $1,400 to $4,700.

METER BOX FIX [ Really easy repair (sparkylife)

Can I replace a gas meter box myself?

If you have a surface-mounted box, the job is incredibly quick and straightforward. Most meter boxes have their fittings installed inside the box to protect them. This means your first step is to get inside the box – if you've lost your key, your new box may include one that will still fit the old box.

How long does it take to replace a meter box?

It can vary depending on factors like the type of meter you have and any complications with the installation, but it often takes just a couple of hours.

Who pays for broken electric meter?

Electric companies are responsible for meter installation and maintenance. However, if you're having problems with your meter, it's important to contact your local electrician to schedule a service.

How to clean an outside meter box?

First, make sure the door of your meter box is tightly closed to make sure no water is going to wash in. Then simply start scrubbing the outer box clean. Try not to use too much water so it doesn't wash into the box.

What is the meter box on the outside of my house?

An electricity meter box outside house is a metal box that contains an electricity meter which helps measure the amount of electricity you are using in your home. It typically looks like a grey metal box and is located outside your house, usually attached to a wall or fence.

Who is responsible for the gas meter outside my house?

Responsibility for Gas Line Maintenance

Gas lines are the responsibility of the utility company up until the point where they enter your property. Once inside your property, the responsibility of maintaining and repairing them falls on the homeowner.

What is the electrical box outside called?

The electrical box outside a home is commonly referred to as a meter box. This box typically houses the electric meter, which measures the amount of electricity consumed by the property. It serves as the connection point between the electrical utility's supply lines and the home's internal electrical system.

Can you replace your own meter box?

Only a licensed professional electrician should be replacing your electric meter box.

How much does it cost to replace a power box?

The cost to replace an electrical panel ranges from $519 to $2,141, with an average price tag of $1,313. However, costs can reach up to $4,400 when you factor in breaker box replacement, moving your electrical panel, or the expansion of your home's amperage.

What do most electricians charge per hour?

Average Hourly Rates

Typically, electricians charge between $50 and $100 per hour. But the first hour might cost more, about $150, due to initial setup and travel. In emergencies, expect to double the rate to $100–$200 per hour.

What happens if your electric meter breaks?

Power Outages: A malfunctioning meter can cause intermittent power outages or disruptions in electrical service. These outages can inconvenience your daily activities, disrupt essential services, and compromise the functionality of critical systems such as security alarms or medical devices.

Who replaces my electricity meter?

The utility is responsible for...

The electric meter: If the meter is damaged, we will repair or replace it. Overhead: The service wire to the point of delivery, which includes repair or replacement of the service wire.

Who owns the electric meter on your house?

Your utility owns the electric meter for home energy measurement, and is responsible for installing, maintaining, and reading it. Tampering with a residential power meter is not authorized, and is a punishable offense. (Not to mention it can be highly dangerous!)

What to do if meter box is broken?

What do I do? It's the homeowner's responsibility to fix the meter box or get a new key. So you or your landlord will have to arrange and pay for any repair or replacement.

How often do electrical boxes need to be replaced?

Electrical boxes do age, and eventually, they lose integrity and need to be replaced. Each box has its own warranty and/or age rating, so there is no magic number to tell you exactly when a box is ready for replacement. On average, boxes last between 25 and 40 years if they are not exposed to extreme environments.

Can an electrician change a meter?

Moving an electric meter isn't something that can be done casually. There are strict legal requirements and safety regulations that govern who is authorised to carry out this task. Typically, the meter belongs to your energy supplier, and they have the final say on whether it can be moved and where it can be relocated.

How can I change my meter box?

In order to change the meter, you will have to write an application to the electric office stating the reasons for changing it. The application for electricity meter change should be written in a humble language.

How much does it cost to replace gas meter?

The average cost for a new residential gas meter is $200 to $300, while installation labor adds $100 to $300. Many times you won't have to pay anything because gas companies own, maintain, and install the lines and meters up to your home.

Can I replace my electric meter with my own?

You can legally install your own electricity meter, as long as you have the supplier's permission and the person installing the equipment is qualified to do so. It's not recommended for anyone not qualified to attempt the installation, as it is a dangerous procedure to undertake.

Previous article
Why does matte black look so good?
Next article
Can I use silicone in the dishwasher?