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Your electric meter box protects your electricity meter from weather, accidental damage and tampering.

But over time, the box can crack, become loose, suffer storm damage or simply start looking worse for wear. If that happens, you're usually responsible for arranging repairs or replacement.

In this guide, we'll explain how much an electric meter box replacement costs, what affects the price and when a repair might be enough.

How much does an electric meter box replacement cost in 2026?

Most replacement electric meter boxes cost between £40 and £300 for supply only, depending on the material and type of box you choose.

You'll also need to budget for electrician labour, which typically costs between £45 and £60 per hour.

Here's a rough guide to help you budget.

Budget reality check

If your meter box is only suffering from minor cosmetic damage, replacing the door alone could cost as little as £20–£60.

However, if the box is cracked, no longer secure or coming away from the wall, a full replacement is usually the safer option.

Leaving damage untreated can allow water ingress and may make the meter more vulnerable to tampering.

Get a quote for electric meter box replacement

Getting a few quotes from checked electricians is the best way to understand what the work is likely to cost.

Comparing several quotes will help you understand whether a repair is possible or if a full replacement is the better long-term option.

Electric meter box replacement costs at a glance

• Plastic meter boxes typically cost between £40 and £150

• Metal meter boxes usually cost between £120 and £300

• Replacement doors cost around £20–£60

• Electricians generally charge between £45 and £60 per hour

• Most replacements can be completed within a day

What factors affect the cost of replacing an outside meter box?

The box itself is just one part of the overall cost. The final price will depend on the type of box you need, where it's located and how straightforward the installation is.

Material

As a general guide, plastic meter boxes cost less than metal alternatives.

You're usually looking at somewhere between £40–£150 for a plastic meter box, compared to £120–£300 for a metal one.

Size

Larger meter boxes generally cost more.

For example, if your property has a three-phase electrical supply, you'll usually need a larger box to accommodate the meter and the associated equipment.

Type

Electric meter boxes can be recessed, surface-mounted, underground or pole-mounted.

Surface-mounted boxes are generally quicker and cheaper to replace. Recessed meter boxes may involve additional wall repairs, which can increase labour costs.

IP rating

The IP rating indicates how well a meter box is protected against water and dust.

Boxes with higher IP ratings usually offer better protection against the elements, but they can cost more.

Location

Labour costs vary across the UK.

If you live in London or another area with higher labour rates, installation costs are likely to be higher than the national average.

Features

Additional features can increase the purchase price.

Examples include:

• Lockable doors

• Replacement keys

• Additional weatherproofing

• Enhanced fire resistance

Installation complexity

While many meter box replacements are straightforward, awkward access, damaged walls or existing installation issues can increase labour time.

Additional work

If other electrical work is carried out at the same time, your costs will increase.

For example, moving an electric meter can cost anywhere from £75 to £1,000, depending on how far it needs to be relocated.

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Additional costs to consider

Depending on the condition of the existing installation, you may need to budget for some additional costs.

We've already mentioned the cost of replacing a damaged meter box door and moving the electric meter.

These are some of the extra costs that can crop up during an electric meter box replacement:

• Repairs to brickwork or render around a recessed meter box

• Upgrading associated electrical components if they're found to be unsafe

• Decorative repairs to the surrounding wall

How long does it take to replace an electric meter box?

Replacing an electric meter box is usually a relatively quick job.

In many cases, a straightforward replacement can be completed within 4–8 hours, depending on the type of box and whether any repairs are needed to the surrounding wall.

Simple door replacements can often be completed much more quickly.

Bear in mind, if additional electrical work or structural repairs are required, the project may take a little longer.

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Why change your electric meter box?

There are several reasons why people decide to replace an electric meter box.

Damage

Weather exposure, accidental impact, wear and tear or vandalism can all damage a meter box over time.

Cracks, holes and broken doors can allow water inside and leave the meter vulnerable to further damage.

Upgrades and improvement work

Older meter boxes may not always suit newer electrical installations or wider home improvement projects. For example, some homeowners replace meter boxes as part of electrical upgrades, smart meter installations or other energy-efficiency improvements.

Protecting the meter and electrical equipment

A damaged meter box can allow water, dirt and debris to reach the electricity meter and surrounding electrical equipment.

Replacing the box helps keep everything protected and accessible for future inspections or maintenance.

Appearance

Because meter boxes are often positioned on the front of a property, they're difficult to ignore when they become cracked, faded or damaged.

Replacing an old or damaged box can improve kerb appeal, particularly on newer homes where the box is highly visible.

Who is responsible for a broken meter box?

As the homeowner, you're responsible for the meter box.

Your energy supplier owns and maintains the electricity meter inside it, but the box protecting it is your responsibility to repair or replace.

This can sometimes cause confusion because both components sit in the same location.

As a simple rule:

• Your energy supplier is responsible for the electricity meter

• You are responsible for the meter box surrounding it

What are the UK regulations for electric meter boxes?

Electric meter boxes need to be weatherproof, secure and installed so the meter can be accessed safely.

Any work carried out around electrical equipment should comply with current UK electrical regulations and any requirements set by your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

Who can replace an electric meter box?

To ensure work is carried out safely, it's best to use a qualified electrician who is registered with a recognised competent person scheme such as:

• NICEIC

• NAPIT

• ECA

• ELECSA

A qualified electrician can advise whether your existing installation meets current standards and what work is required.

What should you do if your meter box is broken?

If you've noticed damage to your meter box, here's what to do next.

1. Inspect the damage

Take a close look at the meter box and identify what's damaged.

In some cases, only the door needs replacing rather than the entire box.

2. Contact your energy supplier

Although the meter box is your responsibility, your energy supplier may be able to offer advice on the best course of action.

In some circumstances, they may even offer a replacement service.

3. Find a qualified electrician

Get several quotes from electricians who cover your area before deciding who to hire.

This will help you understand whether a repair or replacement is the most cost-effective solution.

4. Arrange the work

Your electrician will remove the damaged box and install the replacement.

If any issues arise involving the electricity meter itself, they may liaise with your energy supplier where necessary.

Can you replace just the meter box door?

In many cases you can just replace the meter box door.

If the box itself is still in good condition and only the door has been damaged, replacing the door can be a much more affordable solution.

Replacement doors typically cost between £20 and £60 and can help extend the life of an otherwise sound meter box.

Is electric meter box replacement worth it?

If your meter box is damaged, replacing it is usually worth the cost. This simple box plays an important role in protecting your electricity meter from weather, accidental damage and unauthorised access.

However, it's always worth checking whether a repair could solve the problem first. For example, if only the door is damaged, a replacement door costing £20–£60 may be all that's needed.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure your electricity meter remains properly protected and accessible.

Electric meter box replacement checklist

• Inspect the damage carefully

• Check whether a repair is possible

• Contact your energy supplier if you're unsure who's responsible

• Get a selection of quotes from checked electricians and confirm what's included

• Check electrician qualifications and reviews

• Ask whether any additional work is likely to be needed

When should you speak to an electrician?

If you've noticed a cracked box, a broken door or signs that water is getting inside, it's worth getting advice from an electrician. Many homeowners put off replacing a damaged meter box because it doesn't seem urgent.

But the box is there to protect your electricity meter and associated electrical equipment from the elements. Once that protection is compromised, it's sensible to have it checked. A qualified electrician can tell you whether a repair is likely to be enough or whether a full replacement is the safer long-term solution.

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Find a checked electrician near you

Whether you need a replacement door, a complete meter box replacement or advice on an existing installation, a qualified electrician can help.

Compare quotes from checked electricians working in your area and find the right professional for the job.

FAQs

How much does it cost to replace an electric meter box?

Replacement electric meter boxes typically cost between £40 and £300 for supply only. You'll also need to budget for electrician labour, which usually costs £45 and £60 per hour.

Who is responsible for replacing an electric meter box?

The homeowner is normally responsible for repairing or replacing their meter box. The electricity meter inside the box is usually the responsibility of the energy supplier.

Can an electrician replace an electric meter box?

Yes. A qualified electrician can replace most electric meter boxes and advise whether any coordination with your energy supplier is required.

Can you replace just the electric meter box door?

Yes. If the rest of the box is still in good condition, replacing the door can be a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire unit.

How long does it take to replace an electric meter box?

Most electric meter box replacements can be completed within about 4–8 hours, although the exact timeframe will depend on the complexity of the installation and whether any additional repairs are needed.

What is the electric meter box called?

Your electric meter box is also known as your electric meter base.

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