The electrical meter is normally the utility's property; any removal, sealing, re-installation, or temporary-meter request must be coordinated with the utility before work begins[1][4][9].
Local building departments (Authorities Having Jurisdiction, AHJs) commonly require an electrical permit and inspection for relocating service equipment, altering the meter base, or changing the service conductor routing; plan for permitting and an inspection timeline as part of the project[2][5][6].
Who owns the meter and why that matters
Most utilities own the meter and either require their crews to remove and reinstall it or will authorize a licensed electrician to do so only under explicit permission; policies vary by utility and jurisdiction, so confirm with your utility up front[1][4][6].
Utilities prohibit tampering with seals, bypasses, or unauthorized removal of meters; unauthorized tampering is unsafe and may be unlawful[4][5][6].
Temporary power options during exterior work
Two commonly used, code-accepted temporary-power approaches for siding, porch, or roof projects are:
Utility-provided temporary meter/pole installations (utility charges and availability vary); confirm with the utility whether they offer a temporary pole/meter and what their procedures and fees are[4][8][10].
Licensed electrician-installed temporary power distribution (e.g., a permitted temporary panel, meter-socket adapter where allowed, or a contractor-supplied generator) installed under a permit and inspected as required by the AHJ[8][10][4].
Which option is available depends on the utility and local code; some utilities bill for a temporary pole/meter while others expect contractors to provide temporary distribution under permit—confirm the utility's practice before scheduling work[4][8][10].
Permits, inspections, and coordination
Relocating service equipment, changing the meter location, or rerouting service conductors commonly requires an electrical permit and inspection from the AHJ; the work must comply with local code and utility service requirements[2][5][6].
Utility service manuals and meter-specification guides provide technical requirements (meter location, bonding, clearance, conductor types) that electricians and AHJs reference for compliance—consult the applicable utility service manual for project-specific technical details[5][6].
Maintaining grounding and bonding continuity
Maintaining grounding electrode conductor and bonding continuity while the meter or meter base is removed is required; approved temporary bonding jumpers or equivalent measures must be installed until permanent equipment is reinstalled and inspected[7][11][5].
An electrician planning to remove a meter or base must include an approved method (for example, bonding jumpers that restore the metallic continuity around removed equipment) to avoid interrupting required grounding and bonding paths[7][11][5].
Costs and contractors
Costs vary widely depending on scope: a simple re-mount or minor relocation (if the utility allows it) can be relatively inexpensive, while formal relocations that require new conduit, trenching, conductor replacement, or service upgrades can increase cost into the mid-thousand-dollar range; consumer-cost guides summarize typical homeowner cost ranges and cost drivers[3][6].
Because utilities and AHJs set different rules, hire a licensed electrician early to scope the work and to advise whether the utility will perform the meter move or require special authorization for an electrician to handle meter removal/reinstallation[1][4][6].
Practical homeowner checklist (step by step)
Contact your utility first to explain the planned siding/porch/roof work and ask whether they require their crew to remove/reinstall the meter, whether they offer a temporary pole/meter, and what fees and scheduling rules apply[1][4][9].
Hire a licensed electrician to inspect and scope the required service work, including any needed conduit, conductor changes, grounding/bonding plans, and permit needs[2][5][6].
Obtain required permits from your local AHJ and schedule inspections according to the permit and utility requirements[2][6].
Arrange permitted temporary power: either request a utility temporary meter/pole if offered or have your electrician install a permitted temporary distribution or generator system; confirm who will provide and sign off the temporary arrangement before the work starts[4][8][10].
Ensure bonding continuity is preserved during the work using approved temporary bonding jumpers or equivalent measures until permanent equipment is reinstalled and inspected[7][11][5].
When the permanent meter base and service equipment are reinstalled, request the utility to re-seal the meter if required and confirm final inspection and sign-off by the AHJ[1][2][4].
What to ask your utility and electrician (short list)
Does the utility require their crew to remove/reinstall the meter, or will they authorize a licensed electrician to do so?[1][4][6]
Does the utility provide temporary pole/meter service for construction and what are the fees and scheduling lead times?[4][8]
If the electrician provides temporary power, what permits and inspections will the AHJ require and who is responsible for sign-off?[10][2]
How will grounding/bonding continuity be maintained while the meter base is removed and what approved method will the electrician use to jumper around removed equipment?[7][11][5]
Final tips and safety reminders
Always contact the utility first; never attempt to move or tamper with a utility-owned meter or seals without explicit authorization from the utility[1][4][6].
Make sure your electrician documents the temporary bonding method used while equipment is removed and retains evidence of permits and inspection scheduling for the AHJ and utility review[7][11][5].
Because policies, fees, and technical requirements vary, verify whether (A) the utility requires their technician to perform meter removal/reinstallation, (B) the utility offers a temporary-meter option, and (C) your local AHJ requires permits/inspections before you schedule contractors or demolition[1][4][6].
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A homeowner checklist to coordinate meter removal, temporary power, permits, and bonding during siding/porch/roof work.
The article does not provide specific guidance for when none of these checklist items apply.
Always contact your utility first and confirm plans with a licensed electrician and your local AHJ before altering meter equipment.