If your outside electrical meter box has sustained wear and tear, it might be time for a replacement. How much it costs to replace an electrical meter box depends on labor, model, and box type.
How Much Should It Cost to Replace the Electrical Mast or Meter Riser? [2026 Data]
Electrical service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights:
Electrical mast replacement costs between $600 and $900 for your home, including materials and labor.
Your home's electrical amperage needs determine the pipe width, with 200-amp service requiring 2-inch risers and 400-amp service needing 4-inch risers.
You should budget for permits from $150 to $500, plus wire replacement and brace kits for taller risers.
Hiring a local electrical professional prevents shock and fire hazards and ensures your mast meets code.
The electrical mast replacement costs an average of $750, though most homeowners spend between $500 and $1,000. That price includes the cost of the new risers and hiring a local electrician to install them. After a swift and forceful storm, it may become clear your electrical meter was the target of wind or debris damage. Figuring out which parts of your unit you’re responsible for repairing can be tricky. Use this guide to help you calculate the cost to replace your electrical mast or meter riser.
What Is an Electrical Mast or Meter Riser?
You aren’t responsible for repairing damaged electrical meters (your utility company will handle that), but you are responsible for the weatherhead, meter socket, and meter riser. The meter riser—also called an electrical mast—is a pipe that protects your wires that connect your electrical meter to your utility’s power distribution system.
Electrical Mast Replacement Cost by Linear Foot
| Electrical Mast or Meter Riser Size | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| 1 foot | $20–$100 |
| 2 feet | $40–$200 |
| 3 feet | $80–$300 |
Electrical meter risers cost an average of $20 to $100 per linear foot. The standard length of a riser is 2 feet, making the cost per riser about $40 to $200. Most homes need several feet of risers to connect the electrical meter to the overhead power lines via the weatherhead. You typically need enough risers to ensure the weatherhead is at least 18 inches above the roof.
Cost to Replace an Electrical Mast or Meter Riser By Pipe Width
| Electrical Mast or Meter Riser Width | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | $20–$25 |
| 3 inches | $30–$35 |
| 4 inches | $35–$100 |
Risers cost about $20 to $25 per foot for 2-inch-wide pipes, $30 to $35 per foot for 3-inch-wide pipes, and $20 to $40 per foot for 4-inch-wide pipes. Most homes with 200-amp service will need 2-inch risers, while large homes with 400-amp service will need 4-inch risers for their electrical meter.
Electrical Mast Replacement Cost Breakdown
Replacing electrical meter risers costs between $500 and $1,000, with materials and labor making up the bulk of the project price.
Materials
For 2 feet of electric meter risers, you’ll spend about $30 to $80. The amount of risers you need depends on your home. You’ll need enough length to ensure the weatherhead at the top of the risers is at least 18 inches from the roofline.
If the risers extend more than 2 or 3 feet above the roof, you’ll also need to spend an additional $40 to $50 on a brace kit to hold the risers steady. Height limits for risers and brace requirements may vary depending on your local building codes.
Labor
Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour. The electrician will need to turn off your electricity, disconnect the wires, remove and replace the risers, and reconnect the wires. This service may take a few hours, depending on whether other parts of the electrical meter or cables need to be fixed or replaced. The cost to relocate the meter, if necessary, will impact your final price.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Replace an Electrical Meter Riser?
Electrical work often requires additional permitting to make sure the work meets local electrical codes. You can also expect extra costs for fittings to ensure a secure and properly working electrical mast replacement. Below are some of the most common fittings that can impact the price of your project.
Permits: The cost to pull permits for electrical work ranges from $10 to $500. Usually, your electrician will pull permits for you.
Labor: The cost to hire an electrician is about $50 to $100 per hour. It could take a few hours to complete this job safely and to code.
Fittings: Fittings or extensions cost $1.50 to $10 each, and a brace kit will cost about $50. These additional elements may be necessary to connect the risers to the electric meter or weatherhead or secure the riser.
Wires: A reputable electrician will suggest disconnecting, replacing, and reconnecting the electrical cables when replacing the riser, which costs about $250. Tree and debris that fall on your unit could stretch or crack the wires, rendering them useless. Replacing wires and cables costs $750 to over $2,500.
Why You Should Hire an Electrical Pro to Replace a Meter Riser
Replacing an electrical mast is a high-voltage job with zero room for errors. DIYing without a valid electrician's license is illegal in many areas because a single mistake can pose a significant safety hazard. The bottom line: hire a local electrician with the right tools, training, and steady hands to get the job done safely.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an electrician
Hiring a licensed electrician doesn’t just make the process smoother—it also protects the investment you made in your home in the long run by:
Accomplishing the job with professional tools, expertise, and the assurance that your electrical service is safe
Preventing electrical shock, fire, or structural damage from incorrect installation
Ensuring the mast and service lines meet all local codes and utility requirements
Ensuring weather sealing and grounding are done correctly to avoid future issues
If you want to DIY an electrical mast replacement
It bears repeating that installing an electrical mast is one job best left to the professionals, but homeowners can still assist with the process through preparatory work, including:
Clearing the area around the mast for easy access and safety
Checking with your utility company about any required shutdowns or permits
Inspecting nearby siding or roofing for damage that might affect installation
Discussing your home’s electrical setup with your electrician before work begins
Snapping photos or notes of the existing and new setup to make future repairs or inspections easier
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Be ready to discuss with your electrician whether your current electrical mast and service lines meet modern safety standards or need a full replacement.
Talk through material and design options for the mast, such as galvanized steel or aluminum, based on your home’s setup and weather exposure.
Inquire about permit requirements, inspection timelines, and coordination with your utility company before commencing work.
Discuss your budget and any potential costs associated with related repairs, like damaged siding or conduit replacement.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 107 total reviews
- Jeff B.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon Mitigation - Regina H.
I conferred with 2 other contractors before Armstrong Electric. Nick and his crew showed me that the project was not as convoluted as the other contractors made it appear to be. They completed the entire project on time. They were professional, friendly and cleaned up after at completion. I...
Armstrong Electric LLC - Jeffrey J.
The techs on my project, Shawn and Cliff, were great. They were prompt, courteous, and efficient. I am very happy with the results and would definitely contact Mr. Electric for any future electrical projects.
Mr. Electric of Columbus - William R.
Victor was wonderful. He was on time, professional, and explained everything he was doing. He was thorough and figured out that the problem was electrical instead of with my HVAC system. Very knowledgeable. I will be using this company in the future for any HVAC needs. Thanks!
Hubbs Heating & Air LLC - Jerald W.
They were excellent. They did a great job. I was totally satisfied. They put tremendous effort in making sure the work was completed. They were great. They provided immediate response to any inquires I made. I would hire them again. I would recommend them to anyone who needs electrical work....
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I have to tell you I am all about customer service - I will go out of my way and even pay more for it if you give me great customer service. <br> <br>In a world where this is hard to find, these guys were awesome! I can not sing their praises enough. They were prompt, personable, funny, got...
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When I challenged the markup on the generator, Bruder Electric withdrew its bid. They only want naïve customers.
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We had no power to any of the electrical outlets in the MBR. We'd had an intermittent problem for a few years and they finally went out all together. We live on the 3rd floor of a 100 year old building and I know from past experience the wiring has been added to in hodgepodge ways over the...
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