How Much Should It Cost to Replace the Electrical Mast or Meter Riser? [2026 Data]

The electrical mast replacement costs an average of $750, though most homeowners spend between $500 and $1,000. That price includes the cost of the new risers and hiring a local electrician to install them. After a swift and forceful storm, it may become clear your electrical meter was the target of wind or debris damage. Figuring out which parts of your unit you’re responsible for repairing can be tricky. Use this guide to help you calculate the cost to replace your electrical mast or meter riser.

What Is an Electrical Mast or Meter Riser?

You aren’t responsible for repairing damaged electrical meters (your utility company will handle that), but you are responsible for the weatherhead, meter socket, and meter riser. The meter riser—also called an electrical mast—is a pipe that protects your wires that connect your electrical meter to your utility’s power distribution system.

Electrical Mast Replacement Cost by Linear Foot

Electrical meter risers cost an average of $20 to $100 per linear foot. The standard length of a riser is 2 feet, making the cost per riser about $40 to $200. Most homes need several feet of risers to connect the electrical meter to the overhead power lines via the weatherhead. You typically need enough risers to ensure the weatherhead is at least 18 inches above the roof.

Cost to Replace an Electrical Mast or Meter Riser By Pipe Width

Risers cost about $20 to $25 per foot for 2-inch-wide pipes, $30 to $35 per foot for 3-inch-wide pipes, and $20 to $40 per foot for 4-inch-wide pipes. Most homes with 200-amp service will need 2-inch risers, while large homes with 400-amp service will need 4-inch risers for their electrical meter.

Electrical Mast Replacement Cost Breakdown

Replacing electrical meter risers costs between $500 and $1,000, with materials and labor making up the bulk of the project price.

Materials

For 2 feet of electric meter risers, you’ll spend about $30 to $80. The amount of risers you need depends on your home. You’ll need enough length to ensure the weatherhead at the top of the risers is at least 18 inches from the roofline.

If the risers extend more than 2 or 3 feet above the roof, you’ll also need to spend an additional $40 to $50 on a brace kit to hold the risers steady. Height limits for risers and brace requirements may vary depending on your local building codes.

Labor

Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour. The electrician will need to turn off your electricity, disconnect the wires, remove and replace the risers, and reconnect the wires. This service may take a few hours, depending on whether other parts of the electrical meter or cables need to be fixed or replaced. The cost to relocate the meter, if necessary, will impact your final price. 

What Factors Influence the Cost to Replace an Electrical Meter Riser?

Electrical work often requires additional permitting to make sure the work meets local electrical codes. You can also expect extra costs for fittings to ensure a secure and properly working electrical mast replacement. Below are some of the most common fittings that can impact the price of your project.

• Permits: The cost to pull permits for electrical work ranges from $10 to $500. Usually, your electrician will pull permits for you.

• Labor: The cost to hire an electrician is about $50 to $100 per hour. It could take a few hours to complete this job safely and to code.

• Fittings: Fittings or extensions cost $1.50 to $10 each, and a brace kit will cost about $50. These additional elements may be necessary to connect the risers to the electric meter or weatherhead or secure the riser.

• Wires: A reputable electrician will suggest disconnecting, replacing, and reconnecting the electrical cables when replacing the riser, which costs about $250. Tree and debris that fall on your unit could stretch or crack the wires, rendering them useless. Replacing wires and cables costs $750 to over $2,500.

Why You Should Hire an Electrical Pro to Replace a Meter Riser

Replacing an electrical mast is a high-voltage job with zero room for errors. DIYing without a valid electrician's license is illegal in many areas because a single mistake can pose a significant safety hazard. The bottom line: hire a local electrician with the right tools, training, and steady hands to get the job done safely.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an electrician

Hiring a licensed electrician doesn’t just make the process smoother—it also protects the investment you made in your home in the long run by:

• Accomplishing the job with professional tools, expertise, and the assurance that your electrical service is safe

• Preventing electrical shock, fire, or structural damage from incorrect installation

• Ensuring the mast and service lines meet all local codes and utility requirements

• Ensuring weather sealing and grounding are done correctly to avoid future issues

If you want to DIY an electrical mast replacement

It bears repeating that installing an electrical mast is one job best left to the professionals, but homeowners can still assist with the process through preparatory work, including:

• Clearing the area around the mast for easy access and safety

• Checking with your utility company about any required shutdowns or permits

• Inspecting nearby siding or roofing for damage that might affect installation

• Discussing your home’s electrical setup with your electrician before work begins

• Snapping photos or notes of the existing and new setup to make future repairs or inspections easier

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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