Do You Need a Meter Replacement?

Your electric meter plays a bigger role in your home’s comfort and safety than you might think. A faulty meter can cause flickering lights, billing issues, and even power interruptions that leave you guessing. That’s why it’s worth knowing what to look for and when to take action. If you’re not sure whether your meter needs attention, Lon Lockwood in Rochester, NY, can help you figure it out.

How Do I Know If My Meter Is Broken?

Your electric meter tracks how much power you use. However, when it starts to fail, the signs can be easy to miss. You might notice your energy bill jump without any changes in usage, or appliances may flicker or lose power while the rest of the house stays on. A faulty meter might also stop reporting to the utility company, leading to estimated charges instead of accurate ones.

Some meters buzz or show blank displays when something’s wrong. If your lights dim when a major appliance turns on or your power cuts out briefly, the problem might be the meter. Unusual power behavior is a strong sign that something needs to be checked.

Do I Need a New Meter Box?

Meter boxes aren’t meant to last forever. Like anything else outside your house, they deal with weather, rust, and wear. Sometimes a meter works fine, but the box it’s sitting in is cracked, rusted, or unsafe. The answer depends on how much damage there is and whether the box still meets local code.

If your box looks bent, if the cover won’t close, or if water can get inside, that’s not something to wait on. A damaged meter box can make your whole system unsafe. Water and electricity don’t mix well. If moisture builds up inside, it can corrode parts and make your power flicker. In more serious cases, it can cause a fire or shock hazard.

Boxes also need to match the electrical panel they’re feeding. If you’ve upgraded your system but kept the same box, it might be too small or underpowered for what your home needs now. Old meter boxes might not support smart meters or updated utility gear. If that’s the case, even if nothing looks broken, you may still need an electric meter replacement so everything stays up to code.

Can I Replace My Electric Meter Myself?

Electric meters are directly tied to the power grid, which means they stay live even if you shut off your main breaker. That makes them unsafe for DIY work. It’s not like changing a light fixture—there’s always voltage coming through, and without the right training or tools, it’s dangerous. In most areas, you also need a license to legally touch the meter itself.

Usually, the utility company owns the meter. They’re responsible for fixing or replacing it if the issue is with the part that tracks energy use. You might own the meter box and the wiring nearby, which is where an electrician steps in if repairs are needed. If the box is damaged, outdated, or not up to code, it’s your job to handle it.

Trying to remove the meter yourself can lead to serious fines or even a power shutdown. It’s always safer to report the issue and let a licensed expert take a look.

What Happens During an Electric Meter Replacement?

When your electric meter needs to be replaced, the process starts with an inspection. An electrician will check for signs. Some faulty electric meter symptoms include a blank display, corrosion, or error codes. If replacement is needed, your power may be shut off briefly for safety. Swapping a working meter in a good box usually takes about an hour. If the box is damaged, repairs or rewiring might be needed. This can take longer and may require permits. After installation, electricians test for proper voltage and load. Once in place, the new meter begins tracking your usage accurately and may result in more consistent energy bills.

When Should You Replace an Old Meter?

Even if yours still runs, it might not measure correctly. That means your bill could be too high or too low, and tracking energy use becomes harder. If you’ve added new appliances, upgraded your panel, or made electrical changes, your old meter might not keep up. Surges, lightning, or water can also damage it without shutting it off. If your readings spike or your lights act up, the meter could be the issue. Swapping it out helps keep your home safe and your usage accurate.

Make Sure Your Electric Meter is Working As It Should

Staying on top of your electric meter’s condition helps you avoid surprise outages, inaccurate readings, and system failures that creep up at the worst times. If you’ve noticed unusual electrical behavior or your meter looks damaged, don’t wait. Lon Lockwood is here to inspect, repair, or replace your meter with care and clarity. Contact us today to schedule your service.