Estimate to set a Meter Base

[floridafarmer]

After years of powering my horse barn from a breaker at the house that runs a long way to the barn, I found my power company finally in a cooperative mood and gave me great price to set a new 15KW can on one of the poles on my driveway and bury a new 200 amp service to my barn.

It's my responsibility to have a new meter base ready for the power company and I've been trying to get some estimates. I've had 1 company so far bid a about 2,200 to set the base and replace the existing 80 amp panel with a new panel and pull the permit. There are about 10 breakers in the current panel.

Does that sound reasonable?

 

[PCustoms]

No, maybe.

What's the actual scope of work?

How far is the run? Underground or Arial? Where is the can going?

Why replace the existing panel?

 

[floridafarmer]

The power company is burying the line right to the meter so the bid is to set the meter can and upgrade the panel in the barn.

The can is going on the exterior wall of the barn and the panel is right behind it inside the utility room. They are literally less than a foot apart..

The existing panel is too small to take the 200 amps plus it doesn't have a main breaker and they don't like GE...

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Prices by area so unless someone lives in your area and has had a similar scope of work done, it is futile to ask this over the internet.

Have you tried getting several additional quotes and compare them?

 

[floridafarmer]

Working on other bids - seems electricians are a busy - many so busy they can't come take a look right away. Have another coming tomorrow so at least I'll have 2.

I realize pricing fluctuates by region but at least getting some idea of what someone else paid to just to set a meter base is helpful. It might be futile but this site is full of posts with folks asking others for help in understanding what "reasonable" is especially if they've had similar experiences.

 

[MattT]

Putting a meter main outside with a breaker feeding the existing panel from it should work out cheaper. Assuming the existing panel is already correctly wired as a sub panel. Then you can add another sub panel later for additional loads or run them straight off the meter main.

 

[klassenl]

If the $2200 includes all permits, taxes, freight etc. then doesn't sound totally off base.

 

[mm08822]

Since existing panel doesn't have a main cb and now is the time to get more power if ever needed, I would replace the existing panel with a 200A main cb panel. If the new meter pan can be back-back with the new panel, wire is minimal cost.
A new panel $150-$200. Add a few $ if existing cb's can't re-use old. 10 new cb's wont break the bank.

All sight unseen and future needs unknown. $2200 may be a little high, but not too bad. It's all in the details and time spent dealing with filing permit, inspection and POCO, local pricing, demand, etc.

 

[floridafarmer]

Thanks - sounds like maybe a little on the high side but not outrageous - really appreciate the feedback.