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A standard electrical meter riser replacement takes an average of two to three hours for the actual installation work, though the entire process may span a full day. This timeline includes coordination with your utility company for power disconnection and reconnection, the physical replacement work, and any required inspections. Weather conditions and permit processing can affect the schedule. Plan for a day without electrical service while the work is being completed.

The homeowner is responsible for maintaining and replacing the electrical meter riser and related components on their property. While your utility company owns and maintains the actual meter and the service lines leading to your home, everything on your side of the connection point—including the weatherhead, riser pipe, and meter base—falls under your responsibility. This division means that when damage occurs or upgrades are needed, the homeowner bears the cost of replacement.

Yes, your power must be disconnected during an electrical meter riser replacement. Since this work involves your home's main electrical service entrance, the utility company will need to disconnect power at the service drop before the electrician can safely begin work. 

This outage lasts for several hours while the replacement is completed and inspected. Make appropriate arrangements for perishable food items and consider alternative accommodations if the weather is extreme.

If you're simply replacing a damaged meter riser without changing your electrical service capacity, you can often keep your existing panel. However, if you're upgrading from a lower amperage service to a higher one, you'll likely need to upgrade your electrical panel as well. Many electricians recommend evaluating your entire electrical service during riser replacement, as combining these projects can be more cost-effective than completing them separately.