House Meter Installation

[Autumn Kirila]

Hi All - I bought a duplex in Pittsburgh, PA a little over a year ago and the first-floor units electric is hooked up to the common/shared spaces within the house. I've kept the electric in my name, but I'd like to have a separate meter installed so the tenant can have their own account. Does anyone know around how much that would cost? Or would have an electrician in the Pittsburgh area that they'd recommend? Thank you!

[Jaron Walling]

@Autumn Kirila From our experience if you start messing with the electrical panel get ready to spend $$$$. Some investors choose or get forced based on code to upgrade the excessing panel to 200amps. Many times this requires a rewire for both units. Opening walls gets expensive. Adding an additional panel for the second unit can cost between $5-10k. That doesn't include rewiring, adding GFCIs, or other repairs. Electrical is quite expensive and rightfully so. It's dangerous and labor intensive depending on the scope of work. There are work arounds to save money but it's always property specific solutions. If you have basement access that's plus. Contact some licensed electricians and get multiple quotes. See what they recommend. That's the only solution when adding meters, panels, or making electrical repairs. 

Best of luck.