The existing box is branded GE and is not bonded neutral or grounded originally.
Looking inside, its obvious they went to great lengths to isolate the neutral.
I added a pair of new 8ft copper clad grounds and a separate ground wire to the box because the guy who tagged it last said its required. The same guy who said that I cannot have a seal around the meter or cover, or any sealer on the cable end.
I thought about the TV angle but we're not really in the direct viewing area of any stations here, Philly is closest and I know a few people at two of the larger stations but I figured I'd save that as a last resort.
I mentioned replacing the box and service cables when to the same guy, he made it clear that doing so would constitute an 'upgrade' or new service, which would mean I'd have to upgrade the whole house to NEC 2020 code standards including hundreds of dollars of AFCI breakers, new wiring to support them, and a special exterior emergency shut off switch. When I looked into the cost of just the switch, which I wouldn't mind having, the best price I found was $840, and none were available due to shortages shipping issues. The same with the meter box, I looked into a new one and couldn't find a single meter pan in stock for under $100, the list price on the things is only $40, but the current shortages and building boom has prices through the roof.
I also mentioned that I intend to replace the panel with a GE unit, and was told 'You better check with zoning enforcement before doing that, I don't think they allow GE breaker panels."
I was told on the phone that 'any' upgrade or improvement requires the bringing the building up to meet all current code standards'.
Today, the power company was here and said someone reported the bag over the meter, they ripped off the bag, opened and checked the meter box inside, when I tried to put some putty over the cable housing end he told me its against the law for a resident to touch anything inside the meter box or any wires connected to it. I told him its on my property, and I'll do as I please with it, tag it and get tfo my property. He tagged it and said to expect a visit from the police. As he was leaving, unknown to him, he dropped about 30 new meter tags in the grass and about 10 used ones that were cut off.
Later I found a warning notice on the door stating that my meter was resealed, and they checked boxes for known hazards around meter, and the guy wrote in 'exposed ground rods sticking out of ground below meter', and "Illegal cover or shroud over or attached to meter".
I called the power company and complained about the dirtbag they sent out here, the woman on the phone told me they get a lot of complaints about him. I insisted on talking to a supervisor but as usually none were available. The classic answer if you ask about anything code related is to call one of our approved lic. electricians.
I asked how one becomes an 'Approved Lic. Electrician', and she said "you can't" and hung up on me.
It seems when it comes to touching the meter or trying to repair anything, its their meter and their box, when it comes to replacing anything, all of a sudden its mine.
They just started using an outside meter reading company in April.
In fact, today's the end of the billing cycle, I intentionally didn't run any major items all month to see how bad their ripping me off here. Last month, and the past three months were $190- $199 for electric. This month the only things I've run have been my cell phone charger, laptop, and two LED lights. They swear every month is an exact reading and charge. Last months bill showed that I used 880 kwh of electricity plus the minimum charge of $23 and a fuel surcharge due to the rising cost of natural gas they say. The charge over the minimum service was $153.46.
I read this month as only 177 kwh, 9/28 to 10/28. If the fuel surcharge and minimum charge as constant, the bill should be $79 for this month. I won't know for a couple weeks when it comes in the mail.
I've never seen a state so intent on making its residents so miserable and broke.
As far as replacing the stab lok panel, I've been intending to do so anyhow, but now I find out doing so would require I bring the whole house up to NEC 2020 specs, including adding AHCI breakers and rewiring about half the house. Then they say that GE panels are no good either. The inspector said that he won't approve any panel that uses or can use narrow breakers.
I've used nothing but GE in all my houses, and shop, its been the go to brand for years. All of a sudden they're no good? Apprently HD, Lowes, and four electrical supplies haven't caught on because they still have them for sale here. (I shouldn't include HD, they don't have anything in stock, the sign up says that due to the recent rash of bad weather, and supply issues we've been overwhelmed by electrical component orders which has depleted our inventory for the next five to six months). Lowes right next door is well stocked and half the price. None of them carry either AHCI breakers or exterior emergency switches, or switched meter panels though.