Smart Meter Repair

We have begun installing smart meters on homes and businesses as part of our smart meter program in New Jersey. While installing smart meters, it is possible that our installation vendor may find a component of the electrical system is deteriorated and requires the customer's attention. These repairs are the property owner's responsibility.

Impacted customers will receive a letter stating that the identified deteriorated condition(s) requires repair and service may be disconnected if those repairs are not made. The repairs cannot be made by our installation vendor and are your responsibility.

Below are the most common deteriorated conditions our installation vendor sees when replacing meters:

Socket Strained – The underground service connections have settled and shifted, causing the meter socket to become tilted. This created tension that needs to be alleviated.
Detached Meter Socket – The socket has become removed from the structure to which it is attached.

Bad Jaw – One or more of the attachment points of the socket to the meter is damaged, bent or rusted and must be rectified to properly withhold a meter.

Conduit Pulled – The encasing of service connection wires is gapped in one or more places.

Socket Damaged – The enclosure that surrounds the meter is damaged and requires repair. This may include holes in the socket, corrosion causing holes or gaps in the socket.

Weather Head Issue – The point where the overhead service attaches to the structure and down to the meter socket is damaged and requires repair.

Service Entrance Problem – The service cable, conduit or a combination of these elements is damaged.

Click here to view images of each possible deteriorated condition.

Please do not attempt to repair, replace or remove your meter. Attempting to replace, tamper with or block access to the utility’s electric meter is illegal and can result in disconnection of service. More importantly, it can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.

If your service is disconnected, the property owner must have a qualified electrician make the repair and have your service inspected for your service to be restored.

Once the repairs are made, please contact us to safely replace your meter. If you decide to decline the smart meter, the repair will still need to be made and we will need to come out to place a seal on your meter indicating that you have opted out. Please note, the meter will have to be read manually and there will be a monthly charge of $15 for reading the meter.

Thank you for your attention on this matter. If you have any questions, please contact a customer service representative at 855-344-3400. To learn more about the smart meter program, visit FirstEnergycorp.com/NJSmartmeter.

To download our smart meter repair door hanger, click here.

FAQs

Why do I need to make repairs?

While attempting to install a meter at your service location, our installation vendor or a JCP&L technician observed a component of your electrical equipment that requires assessment for repairs by a qualified electrical contractor. The repairs and maintenance of these components are the property owner’s responsibility. Please note, the new meter may or may not have been installed depending on the condition observed.
If my meter was exchanged, do I still need to make repairs?

A deteriorated condition was found at your service address. This did not prevent the meter exchange, but still requires assessment for repairs by a qualified electrical contractor.
Repairs and inspection of my service has been completed, what do I do now?

Call a JCP&L Customer Service representative at 855-344-3400 and inform the representative the repairs and inspection are completed.
My qualified electrician advised there are no repairs needed, what do I do now?

Specific conditions observed during meter exchange were included in letters sent to the mailing address of the service owner on file. These are initial observations, and there may be other conditions present that will need to be addressed. If you have any additional questions or if your electrical contractor is disputing the need for repairs, please contact a JCP&L Customer Service representative at 855-344-3400.
If I Opt-Out of the Smart Meter Program, do I still need repairs?

Yes. Repairs and maintenance of all components of your electrical equipment are the property owner’s responsibility, regardless of the meter installed at the property.
What if I'm told I don't need an inspection by my township official?

If you were advised you do not need an inspection, please call a JCP&L Customer Service representative at 855-344-3400 to inform us and a representative will provide you with next steps, if applicable.
What other conditions should I request my qualified electrical contractor look for?

JCP&L recommends all components of your electrical equipment be inspected for additional repair or maintenance needs by a qualified electrical contractor. A list of common repairs and maintenance conditions can be found at www.firstenergycorp.com/help/smart-meters/nj-smartmeter/smart-meter-repair.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list of potential repairs and/or conditions.