who is responsible for replacing electric meter box

The responsibility for replacing an electricity meter box varies depending on **location, property type, and the cause of the

 damage**. The following is a detailed explanation based on common scenarios:

 1. General Rules in Most Regions

**Property owners (homeowners or landlords)** are usually responsible for maintaining and replacing the **electricity meter

 box** (excluding the electricity meter itself), especially for **single-family houses**. This includes:

- Wear and tear (for example, rust, cracks caused by weather).

- Damage caused by vandalism or accidents.

2. Exceptions and Special Cases

 a. Social Housing/Shared Housing (such as apartments, condominiums)

- If the electricity meter box is part of the shared infrastructure, the responsibility may fall on the **property management 

company** or the **housing authority**.

- It is necessary to check local regulations or lease agreements.

 b. Responsibilities of Utility Companies

- The **power supply company** is responsible for the **electricity meter itself** (for example, incorrect readings, damage 

to internal components).

- In some regions (such as Guangdong Province, China), **natural damage** to the electricity meter box (such as aging, 

non-human causes) may be repaired **free of charge** by the power supply company.

- **Man-made damage** (such as intentional vandalism) usually requires the **person causing the damage** to pay for

 the replacement.

3. Key Reference Information for Different Regions

 China

- **Case in Daqing City**: In the case of Daqing City, when there is a malfunction of the equipment in the individual electricity

 meter boxes in the corridor, the **property management is responsible for the repair**, and the **property owners purchase 

the accessories** (based on the Civil Code).

- **Guangdong Power Grid**: For natural damage, the power supply company will replace it free of charge; for man-made damage, 

the user needs to bear the cost.

- **Case in Beijing**: In the case of Beijing, the property rights unit and merchants share the cost, and the **power supply bureau is 

responsible for the replacement** (in special negotiation situations).

UK

- **Legal Basis** (Gas Safety Regulations, BS 7671): Property owners are responsible for maintaining the electricity meter boxes, 

except in the case of social housing.

USA

- **Common Situation**: The property owner bears the cost (including materials and labor). The electricity meter box is an "end-user 

side" device and is not within the responsibility scope of the power supply company.

4. What to Do If Your Electricity Meter Box Needs Replacement

1. **Contact the local power supply company**: Confirm the attribution of responsibility and whether a permit is required.

2. **Determine the cause of the damage**:

   - For natural damage: Negotiate for a free replacement (such as in some regions of China).

   - For man-made damage: Bear the cost yourself or hold the person responsible accountable.

3. **Hire a professional electrician**: Since it involves electrical connections, it is necessary to ensure compliance with safety

 regulations (such as China's Electricity Law and the US NEC standards).

 Summary

- **Owner-occupied housing**: Typically, the **property owner** is responsible and bears the cost.

- **Rented/shared housing**: It may be the responsibility of the **property management or the landlord**.

- **Malfunction of the electricity meter**: Contact the **power supply company**, and do not disassemble it yourself.

It is recommended to directly consult the local power department or property management to clarify the specific responsibilities

 and procedures.