MULTIFAMILY & COMMERCIAL / GREATER LOS ANGELES
Meter stack and multi-meter replacement
A shared electrical service calls for a coordinated plan. We help define the replacement scope around existing equipment, utility requirements and the people who rely on the building’s power.
Discuss multi-meter replacement
- Assess the existing service
- Coordinate the utility interface
- Plan around the occupants
Metering equipment from our projects
WHAT WE PLAN TOGETHER
More than an equipment change.
The installation is one part of the work. The right plan also accounts for the utility, access, communication and the building’s operating needs.
The proposal identifies the equipment, access and utility coordination included for your property.
- 01
Assess the existing equipment
Review the meter bank, service capacity, visible condition and connections. Identify what can be confirmed on site and what needs further investigation before defining the replacement scope.
- 02
Coordinate the utility meter spot
Confirm the utility’s meter-spot process, service location and requirements. Establish the utility responsibilities, required approvals and disconnect / reconnect coordination that apply to the property.
- 03
Plan equipment and access
Review the proposed equipment, space, clearances and installation access. Check procurement needs, working areas and the path for removing existing equipment and bringing in the replacement.
- 04
Coordinate tenant and HOA communication
Identify the owner, manager or HOA contact and who will notify affected occupants. Plan notices, access arrangements and a clear point of contact for questions or changing conditions.
- 05
Define the installation sequence
Plan removal, installation and connection work against the agreed scope. Coordinate any applicable permits, inspections and utility steps before confirming the work sequence and outage arrangements.
- 06
Address temporary power where required
Identify critical loads and discuss whether temporary power is needed. Any temporary-power arrangement, capacity, connection method and responsibility must be assessed and included in the agreed scope.
- 07
Review completion and closeout
Coordinate final checks, applicable inspection and utility reconnection requirements. Review labeling, available equipment documentation and any remaining closeout or follow-up items with the property contact.
Van Nuys multi-meter project experience
Our Van Nuys multifamily work includes two separate properties with 47 apartments and a house meter at each. These projects are part of our experience replacing multi-meter service equipment and coordinating the electrical scope with the property team.
Our work includes utility meter-spot coordination, tenant and HOA communication, and coordination with engineers where needed. We assess temporary power and generator needs as part of the specific project plan.
BEFORE AN OUTAGE IS SCHEDULED
The questions that shape the plan.
Outage needs and timing are project-specific. They must be scoped and coordinated—not assumed or guaranteed in advance.
- Which occupants and critical loads are affected?
- Identify the units, shared areas, businesses and essential equipment served by the existing system.
- Who needs notice, and who will coordinate it?
- Confirm property management, HOA, tenant and other stakeholder contacts, including any access needs.
- What utility coordination and access are needed?
- Clarify meter-spot requirements, utility appointments, inspections and access to all work areas.
- Is temporary power required?
- Discuss critical loads and any temporary supply needs so they can be assessed and scoped.
- How will the work timing be confirmed?
- Review equipment availability, approvals and utility readiness before agreeing on the work sequence and notices.
Have an existing system in mind?
For the first conversation, have the property location, number of meters, known equipment concerns and utility correspondence available, if you have them.
(800) 280-0428
FROM OUR PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHS
Multi-meter work in Van Nuys
Multi-meter equipment and overhead conduit are shown during installation in a Van Nuys electrical room. This view shows the equipment layout and routing while the work is in progress.
- Van Nuys
- Multi-meter equipment
- During installation
Technical planning notes & utility references
Multifamily metering: follow the power to each unit
Document meters, feeders and shared loads
An apartment meter stack belongs to a larger distribution system. Establish which meter serves each unit, where house loads are supplied, how feeders are routed, and whether labels match the installation. Hallway lighting, laundry, gates and pumps should not be overlooked. Existing drawings help, but field verification matters before residents receive an outage notice.
Specify an assembly the utility can accept
Meter sockets, bus ratings, disconnects, feeder protection and the enclosure must work together as an approved assembly. Utility access and socket requirements vary with the serving utility and service configuration. A damaged section may not have a compatible replacement. Adding EV charging or electric appliances calls for a load review, rather than simply larger breakers.
Separate capacity work from billing changes
Replacing meter equipment, increasing capacity and changing how units are billed are separate decisions. Converting a master-metered property to individual utility meters can require a different utility process and additional distribution work. New meters or private submeters do not automatically authorize a billing arrangement. Define that goal with the owner, utility and appropriate advisers before purchasing equipment.
Give residents a practical outage plan
Identify affected units, common-area systems, access arrangements, inspections and reconnection responsibilities. Some work may be phased, but a complete shutdown may still be necessary. Discuss resident needs and essential equipment early without promising uninterrupted power. Testing, accurate unit labels and closeout documents make future maintenance easier.
Utility planning references: LADWP requirements · SCE requirements