See a Spike in Your Electric Bill? Your Meter Can Might Be the Problem | Mister Sparky of Pearland

Sudden High Bills or Weird Meter Readings? Don’t Ignore Them

Nothing grabs your attention like a mysterious jump in your electric bill. One month it’s normal, the next it’s off the charts. Or maybe the numbers on your meter just don’t make sense—or the meter isn’t responding at all. These are all signs that your electrical meter can may be compromised.

Your meter can is more than just a box—it’s the protective housing for your electric meter, keeping your energy readings accurate and your property safe. Over time, weather, wear and tear, or even accidental damage can compromise it.

What Could Happen if Your Meter Can Fails?

Electrical Hazards

Exposed wiring inside a cracked or rusted meter can create shock or electrocution risks. Moisture entering the can may cause short circuits or even electrical fires.

Inaccurate Energy Billing

A compromised meter can cause the meter to misread electricity usage, resulting in overcharged utility bills. You could be paying for energy you didn’t actually use.

Power Interruptions

Utility companies may disconnect service if the meter can is unsafe or inaccessible.

Damage can prevent technicians from safely reading or servicing your meter, causing unexpected outages.

Meter Tampering or Theft

A weakened meter can is an easier target for tampering, theft, or vandalism.

Tampered meters could cause property damage or legal liability if utilities detect interference.

Costly Repairs

Minor issues in a meter can escalate into major electrical problems inside your home or business.

Delaying repairs or replacement can make fixing the problem far more expensive.

Property Damage

Water ingress or sparks from a damaged meter can damage walls, panels, or nearby equipment, increasing repair or insurance costs.

Your meter can is like the armor for your electric meter. While the utility company owns the meter, you own the can—and that means maintaining it is your responsibility. 

Mister Sparky of Pearland explains what a good meter can is:

• Shields your meter from storm damage and accidental bumps
• Helps identify electrical issues before they become major problems
• Keeps your energy readings correct, so you only pay for what you actually use
• Even small cracks or loose connections can snowball into big headaches fast.

Licensed Electricians + Utility Coordination: Why It Matters

Replacing a meter can isn’t something you can safely do yourself. Working near your electric meter is extremely dangerous, and any mistakes could result in serious injury or fines. A proper replacement requires:

• A licensed electrician who knows the local electrical code
• Coordination with your utility company to ensure the meter is safely disconnected and reconnected
• Experience with meter box repair and replacement to make sure your system works flawlessly. That’s why our team at Mister Sparky of Pearland handles everything safely and efficiently, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Signs Your Meter Can Needs Attention:

• Unexpected spikes in your electric bill
• Strange numbers or glitches on the meter display
• A meter that won’t respond or stops working
• Visible damage like dents, rust, or cracks
• If you notice any of these, don’t wait—call a licensed electrician immediately.

Our Homeowner’s Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I just put a lock on my meter can?

You can, but only with approval from your utility company. They usually allow certain “utility-approved” locks, and using the wrong type could block meter readings or even lead to fines. Think of it like putting a lock on a door—if it’s not the right one, nobody can get in, and that includes your power company!

How do I prevent meter tampering?

Secure it with a utility-approved lock, check it regularly for damage or tampering, and avoid cheap padlocks. A quick inspection every few months can prevent headaches and protect your home or business.

What’s the difference between a meter can and a meter socket?

The meter can is the outer box—the protective shell. The meter socket is the connection point inside where the electric meter plugs in. Remember: the utility owns the meter, but the can is your responsibility. Keeping it in top shape is your job.

How do I know if my meter can is damaged?

Watch for spikes in your electric bill, glitches or errors on the meter, a meter that stops responding, visible dents, cracks, or rust

My lights keep flickering after storms. Could that be the meter can?
Yes. If water seeps inside a worn-out meter can or the connections have loosened, storms can trigger flickering lights or even power surges. While it could also be an issue in your panel, the meter can is often the first place we check.

Will the power company fix my meter can if it’s broken?
No. The utility owns the meter itself, but the meter can is your responsibility. If it’s damaged, the utility will likely require you to call a licensed electrician to repair or replace it before they’ll restore or continue service.

Can a damaged meter can make my breaker trip?
It can. Loose or corroded connections at the meter can cause electrical irregularities that may trigger your breakers to trip more frequently. If you notice repeated tripping after storms or heavy appliance use, the meter can may be the culprit.

How much downtime should I expect during replacement?
Most meter can replacements take just a few hours. Since it requires coordination with the utility to shut off and restore power, we work to minimize downtime so you’re not without electricity longer than necessary.

What size meter can do I need?
That depends on your home’s service size. A small house with 100-amp service uses a different meter can than a larger home with 200-amp service. Our electricians will size it properly to make sure it meets code and handles your electrical load safely.

Do meter cans ever need upgrading even if they’re not broken?
Yes. If you’re upgrading your electrical service—for example, moving from 100 amps to 200 amps to support new appliances or an EV charger—you’ll likely need a new meter can that can handle the increased capacity.

Could a bad meter can affect my air conditioner or large appliances?
Definitely. Loose or deteriorated connections can cause voltage drops, which put extra strain on motors and compressors. That often shows up first in energy-hungry appliances like AC units, refrigerators, or well pumps.

Do I need a permit to replace a meter can in Pearland or Houston?
Yes. Electrical meter can replacements usually require a permit and inspection to ensure it meets local codes. Mister Sparky of Pearland handles the entire process for you—permits, utility coordination, installation, and inspection—so you don’t have to juggle the paperwork.

Is a meter can replacement covered by insurance?
Sometimes. If the damage was caused by a storm, accident, or fire, your homeowner’s insurance may cover part of the cost. Normal wear-and-tear, however, usually isn’t covered. We can help document the issue if you need to file a claim.

How much does meter can replacement cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of can, size, material, and labor. At Mister Sparky of Pearland, we provide transparent, upfront pricing after inspecting your meter can and discussing any additional electrical needs. No surprises, just honest service.

How often should I have my meter can inspected?

At least once a year, especially after storms or if you notice irregular meter readings. Routine inspections prevent damage, tampering, and inaccurate energy bills.

Protect Your Home 

A damaged or outdated meter can isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a potential hazard. Call Mister Sparky of Pearland, your local licensed electricians.

Call us anytime at 281-436-9436 or use our easy online book linking: https://www.mistersparky.com/pearland/