When you’re working on your home — like replacing siding or doing electrical upgrades — it might seem simple to remove or reconnect the electric meter yourself while the work gets done. A contractor might even tell you they can handle it, but the meter is owned by South Central Power and removing it is considered tampering because it is not safe or allowed. Only South Central Power crews are authorized to handle meters and related equipment, no matter who is doing the work.
What counts as unauthorized access?
Unauthorized equipment access happens when a meter is pulled or disconnected by anyone other than a South Central Power employee, or when someone makes changes that affect how power flows through the meter. Even if the plan is to put everything back the way it was, it’s still unsafe and not allowed.
Why does this matter?
Electric service equipment can be dangerous and even deadly. Without the right training, working around it can lead to serious injury. It can also create risks for our crews who rely on accurate system conditions when they respond to outages or service calls.
What happens if it’s done anyway?
Our meters can alert us right away if they’ve been removed or tampered with. When that happens, crews must come out to check our equipment, make sure the meter is reinstalled safely and secured properly, and restore normal operation. There’s a fee to cover the cost of the visit — typically $72 — and additional charges may apply if repairs are needed.
How can I avoid it?
Give us a call; there is no cost to you to pull your meter during business hours. We’ll work with you and your contractor to safely disconnect and reconnect your meter so your project can move forward without delays, safety risks, or extra charges. If you have questions about a project at your home, give us a call! We’re always happy to help you plan ahead.
Don’t fall for scams
If you come across online tips or devices claiming they can “slow down” or bypass your electric meter, don’t take the risk. These scams are dangerous, illegal, and can lead to serious consequences.