How Much Does Moving an Electric Meter Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $400 - $1,000
The average price to move an electric meter is $675, but costs can range from $400 to $1,000 depending on how far you're moving the meter.
Rarely are electric meters described as anything but an aesthetic nuisance. Luckily, the average cost to move an electric meter is $675, so its unfortunate placement on the road side of your home doesn’t have to be permanent. If you’re in the middle of a remodel, or you’re simply sick of looking at it, why not move your electrical meter to a more discreet location? The prices will fluctuate between $100 to $1,200, depending on labor costs and how far it’s moving.
- Average
- $675
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $1,200
Cost Factors to Move Electric Meter
When budgeting for the project of moving your electric meter, consider these essential cost factors.
Distance
Moving your electric meter a few inches on its existing baseboard typically won’t cost you anything. However, you’ll need to call your electricity provider to see if this slight adjustment is possible, as some providers have a limit on how much you can move before you get charged.
If you’re moving your electric meter within a 10-foot distance on the same wall, you should expect to pay around $450 on average. But if you need the electric meter relocated to a completely different wall, you’re looking at a fee of around $800 on average.
Beyond the actual move, you’ll need to consider labor costs, any repairs for the walls, and whether you need a new base or not.
Complete Replacement or Simple Move
Because you already have an existing electric meter, you don’t have to worry about the extra costs associated with a replacement. But on the off chance that your outside electric meter needs a complete replacement, be prepared to pay even more. On average, the cost to replace an outside electric meter is around $1,200.
Labor
If this is a larger move, then you might need to hire an electrician near you (after calling the electric company first). Electricians will charge $50 to $250 per hour on average. This comes down to the individual contractor, so it’s always best to get three quotes before finalizing your decision.
Additional Costs Factors
| Additional Factor | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wall repair | $360–$1,200 |
| Repair labor | $60–$125 per hour |
| New electric meter base | $150 |
| Upgrading service | $500–$4,000 |
Wall Repairs
You might damage the wall while removing the base of the electric meter. If so, you need to address those repairs immediately. Depending on the severity of the damage, the cost to repair a wall costs $360 to $1,200. This is on top of the cost of a handyperson, which sits around $60 to $125 per hour.
New Electric Meter Base
Ideally, you’ll reinstall your old meter base at its new location. But if the electric meter breaks during the move, then you’ll need to tack on an extra $150 to the final cost.
Upgrading to 200-Amp Service
The average cost to upgrade to a 200-amp service is around $1,375. Most homes come with a 100- to 150-amp service. However, more people are upgrading to this higher-end service to accommodate more appliances and devices—especially if you work from home.
How Much Does It Cost to Move an Electric Meter Yourself?
You legally can’t move an electric meter yourself. Moving an electric meter without contacting your electric company means you’re using electricity without measuring how much. Always contact your electric company to learn the proper legal process for moving an electric meter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly, aesthetics and practicality influence a move. If your renovation or remodel involves the wall in question, you’ll obviously need to relocate. It all comes down to personal preference. You’ll need to hire a professional electrician for this task, so be sure to hire a licensed pro with plenty of experience with this type of electrical task.
You can move an electric meter outside if you currently have one inside your home. This is considered a larger move, so be prepared to pay on the upper end of $600 to $1,200. When hiring a professional electrician to move your electric meter, be sure to specify its current location and desired location, including pictures if possible.
Before you start doing anything else, you must call your electric company to confirm their process. It is technically their meter that you’re moving, so there’s really no such thing as free rein. Moving the meter generally involves disconnecting power from the utility company, disconnecting the cables that run into your electrical panel, and dismounting the meter assembly. Once uninstalled, a handyperson will remount and reconnect the wiring in its new location.
Simple moves on the same base or within a few feet will not take long, roughly three to four hours. Larger moves onto a new wall or transitioning a box from inside to outside will take 8 to 12 hours to complete. Ask your electrician for a time estimate prior to installation.
How often you’ll replace your electric meter depends on what type of meter you have in your home. Induction meters can last around 10 years, while static meters will typically last around 20. If you’re unsure which kind of meter you have, a call to your electric company can help ease your mind.