How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electric Meter Box in Ontario?

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electric Meter Box in Ontario?

The electrical meter box (also called the meter socket or meter base) is the point where your home or business connects to the utility grid. When the meter box is damaged, corroded, outdated, or fails an inspection, it needs to be replaced by a licensed electrical contractor. Here is what meter box replacement costs in Ontario.

Electric Meter Box Replacement Cost in Ontario

Replacing an electric meter box in Ontario costs starting from $1,200, including the ESA permit and inspection. The price covers the licensed electrical contractor’s labour, the new meter socket, and coordination with your electricity utility for temporary disconnection and reconnection.

What Is Included in the Meter Box Replacement?

• Removal of the existing meter socket
• Supply and installation of a new code-compliant meter base
• Reconnection of the service entrance cable and grounding
• ESA permit application and inspection coordination
• Coordination with the local electricity distributor (Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, or other) for power disconnection and reconnection

The electricity utility typically disconnects the power at the weather head before work begins and reconnects it after the ESA inspection is complete and approved. The timing of this process depends on the utility’s scheduling and can affect the overall project timeline.

Why Is Meter Box Replacement Necessary?

A meter box may need to be replaced for several reasons:

• Physical damage — cracked housing, corroded contacts, or damaged conduit entry points
• Water intrusion — moisture inside the meter socket causes corrosion and presents a safety risk
• ESA or utility inspection failure — an outdated or non-compliant meter base identified during an inspection
• Service upgrade — upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service often requires a new meter socket rated for the higher amperage
• Age — older meter bases may no longer accept modern smart meters from the utility

Does Meter Box Replacement Require an ESA Permit in Ontario?

Yes. Replacing the meter box involves the service entrance — the point where the utility supply connects to your home’s electrical system. This is regulated work under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) and requires an ESA permit. The Electrical Safety Authority inspects the work before the utility restores power.

Only a licensed electrical contractor can legally perform this work and pull the required ESA permit. The utility will not reconnect power without ESA inspection approval.

Get a Quote for Meter Box Replacement

EZSMART replaces electrical meter boxes for residential and commercial properties across Ontario. We coordinate the ESA permit, utility disconnection and reconnection, and complete the installation to bring your service entrance into compliance.

Contact us today to schedule a meter box replacement quote.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp