The meter base is the piece of equipment nobody thinks about until it fails or an upgrade forces the issue. It sits at the boundary between the utility's wires and yours, which makes it the one component where the work has to be scheduled with APS rather than just done.
When a meter base needs replacing
- You're increasing service size — the existing base isn't rated for the new amperage.
- Rust, water intrusion, or a cracked enclosure, common on older exterior installations.
- Burned or loose lugs, arcing marks, or heat discoloration.
- A service mast bent or pulled by snow slide off a roof.
- Utility notice that the equipment no longer meets their standard.
Snow, masts, and northern Arizona
A weather head and mast on the uphill side of a metal roof takes a beating here. Snow releasing off a roof can bend a mast, loosen the weather head, or pull the service drop. If your mast is visibly out of plumb or the drip loop is gone, that's worth addressing before the next winter, not after.
How the work is coordinated
Because the meter is utility-owned equipment on a customer-owned base, the sequence is: permit, scheduled utility disconnect, our replacement of the base, mast, and service conductors as needed, inspection, then utility reconnect and re-meter. Power is off for the working portion of the day, and the schedule is set by the utility and inspector availability. Details on our meter upgrade process cover what's on us versus the utility.
Usually done with a panel upgrade
Most meter work happens as part of a service increase, so it pairs naturally with panel installation. Doing both in one outage is far less disruptive and cheaper than two separate projects with two separate utility disconnects.
One thing not to do
Never pull a meter yourself or cut a utility seal. The conductors feeding it are live and unfused — there's no breaker upstream on your side. It's also a serious problem with the utility. Call us or APS and let the disconnect be scheduled.
When to bring in a professional
If the meter base looks rusted, the mast is leaning, or you're planning a service increase, we'll assess it and handle the utility coordination.
Call (928) 563-6237 to get on the schedule.