Many homeowners assume the utility company owns every part of the electrical service connected to their home. In reality, ownership is usually divided between the utility company and the homeowner.
The utility typically owns the electrical meter, while the homeowner often owns the meter can and other service equipment. Service line ownership varies by utility and the type of electrical service. Knowing who owns each component helps you understand who is responsible for repairs and replacement.
Quick Takeaways
• The utility company typically owns the electrical meter.
• Homeowners usually own the meter can, also called the meter socket.
• A damaged meter can generally requires a licensed electrician for replacement.
• Service line ownership depends on the utility company and the type of service.
• The utility company usually disconnects and reconnects power during meter can replacement.
• Knowing who owns each component helps you avoid delays and unexpected repair costs.
What Is the Difference Between the Meter and Meter Can?
The electrical meter and meter can are different pieces of equipment. The utility company usually owns the electrical meter, which records your home’s electricity usage. The homeowner usually owns the meter can, also called the meter socket. It holds the meter securely and connects it to the home’s electrical system.
Although they work together, the meter and meter can serve different purposes.
The electrical meter measures how much electricity your home uses so the utility company can calculate your monthly bill.
The meter can is the metal enclosure mounted to your home. It contains the meter socket where the electrical meter is installed. The meter can also connects your home’s electrical service equipment to the utility’s electrical system.
Because these components often have different owners, repair responsibilities are usually different as well.
Who Owns the Electrical Meter?
In most areas, the utility company owns the electrical meter.
The utility installs the meter, records electricity usage, performs testing, and replaces the meter if it fails. It also seals the meter to prevent tampering.
Homeowners should never attempt to remove or repair an electrical meter. If you suspect the meter is damaged or malfunctioning, contact your utility company first.
Who Owns the Meter Can?
In most cases, the homeowner owns the meter can. Because of that, homeowners are typically responsible for repairing or replacing a damaged meter can.
Although the utility company supplies the electric meter, a licensed electrician usually replaces the meter can. They coordinate with the utility to disconnect and restore power.
The meter can is exposed to weather year-round. Over time, it can rust, corrode, or become damaged by impact or overheating.
When that happens, replacing the meter can is usually the homeowner’s responsibility.
Since the electrical meter must be removed before the work begins, the utility company normally disconnects service first. After the electrician installs the new meter can, the utility returns to reinstall the meter and restore power.
When Does a Meter Can Need Replacement?
A meter can should be replaced if it can no longer safely support the electrical meter. It should also be replaced if it cannot protect the electrical connections inside.
Common reasons include:
- Rust or severe corrosion
- Burn marks or overheating
- Loose meter connections
- Cracked or damaged enclosure
- Water entering the meter can
- An outdated or unsafe meter socket
- Storm or tree damage
- Electrical service upgrades
If you notice any of these problems, schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Ignoring a damaged meter can can create electrical hazards and may lead to service interruptions.
Who Owns the Service Line?
Service line ownership depends on where you live and whether your home has overhead or underground electrical service.
Overhead Service Lines
For overhead service, the utility company is generally responsible for the electrical lines that run from the utility pole to the service point.
Homeowners are commonly responsible for the service entrance equipment attached to the home, including the weatherhead, service mast, service entrance cable, and meter can.
Because responsibilities vary, always verify ownership with your local utility company.
Underground Service Lines
Underground service is handled differently by many utility companies.
In some areas, the utility owns the underground service line all the way to the meter. In others, the homeowner is responsible for part or all of the underground service line.
Before scheduling repairs, confirm ownership with your utility provider.
Who Pays for Meter Can and Service Line Repairs?
The party that owns the equipment is usually responsible for repair or replacement costs.
In many cases:
- The utility pays for repairs to the electrical meter.
- Homeowners pay to replace a damaged meter can.
- Homeowners are often responsible for service entrance equipment.
- Underground service line responsibility depends on the utility.
- Storm damage may be covered by homeowners insurance, depending on the policy.
If you’re unsure who is responsible, your electrician can often help determine ownership before work begins.
What Happens During Meter Can Replacement?
Replacing a meter can involves both the utility company and a licensed electrician.
The process typically looks like this:
- The electrician inspects the damaged meter can.
- The utility company disconnects electrical service and removes the meter.
- The electrician replaces the damaged meter can.
- The work is inspected if required by the local authority.
- The utility reinstalls the electrical meter and restores power.
Most replacements can be completed in a single day once the utility disconnect has been scheduled.
Why You Should Not Repair a Meter Can Yourself
A meter can connects directly to incoming utility power.
Even if you turn off your home’s main breaker, parts of the electrical service may still be energized.
Attempting to repair or replace a meter yourself can cause serious injury, fire, equipment damage, or local code violations.
A licensed electrician is trained to do the work safely. They can also work with the utility company during the replacement process.
FAQ
Does the homeowner own the meter can?
Usually, yes. In most areas, homeowners own the meter can and are responsible for replacing it if it becomes damaged.
Is a meter can the same as an electrical meter?
No. The electrical meter measures electricity usage, while the meter can is the enclosure that houses and supports the meter.
Who replaces a damaged meter can?
A licensed electrician typically replaces the meter can after the utility company disconnects electrical service.
Does the utility company pay for meter can replacement?
Usually not. Since homeowners commonly own the meter can, they are generally responsible for replacement costs.
Can an electrician remove the electrical meter?
Only after coordinating with the utility company. In most areas, the utility removes and reinstalls the electrical meter.
How long does meter can replacement take?
Most meter can replacements can be completed in one day after the utility disconnect has been scheduled.
Schedule Professional Meter Can Replacement
If your meter can is rusted, damaged, or no longer meets current electrical standards, do not wait. It could become a bigger problem. Right Touch Electrical provides professional meter can replacement services throughout Houston and surrounding areas.
We’ll inspect your equipment, work with your utility company, and safely replace your meter can. This will restore reliable electrical service.
Contact Right Touch Electrical today for service backed by quality with a master’s touch.