Can I move my switchboard or meter box?

A meter box contains equipment belonging to two parties. The metering and the point of supply belong to the distributor and the retailer. The consumer mains and the switchboard belong to you. Moving the box therefore needs both an electrician and the distributor, and the distributor's process sets the timeline.

What drives the cost

• Whether the supply is overhead or underground. Underground means excavation and often new conduit from the street.
• The distance moved, since the consumer mains have to be replaced for the new route.
• Whether the existing switchboard is compliant. Relocating usually means bringing it up to current requirements, which can mean a new board with residual current protection throughout.
• Whether the distributor requires an outage, and whether that has to be scheduled.
• Whether a new point of attachment on the building is needed for an overhead supply.

Common reasons people need to

• An extension or a new deck built where the box is.
• A rendered or reclad facade where the box no longer suits.
• Meter access requirements, since the distributor needs safe unobstructed access.
• Solar or battery installation where the existing position makes the work impractical.