So half my house lost power this evening. I tried all the breakers with no luck. After about an hour, the power in that half of the house randomly came back on. Now, the power is fluctuating--lights dimming, etc. The meter was recently changed by the electric company, but when I called them they said that if they came out and it wasn't caused by their equipment malfunctioning, then it would be a minimum $250 service call, which I can't afford. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

Either it is the power company or you are going to need to pay an electrician to check your panel. Unfortunately this is a serious issue that needs to be fixed asap. Are any of your neighbors experiencing an issue?

 

If the problem only started after the meter change then more than likely you will need an electrician and the power company. As shown in the illustration below there are four jaws that the meter plugs into. If one of the jaws doesn't connect tight to the meter you will get the problem you are having.

This is not the only thing that can cause your problem but since the meter was just replaced I'd put it at the top of the list.

Unfortunately the power company is only responsible for the meter itself. The meter pan (housing) is your responsibility to replace. If they come and find the problem inside the meter pan they will inform you of it and they cannot charge you as you have no access to the inside of that pan.



As an electrician I get calls like yours frequently. I will go to the customers house and first check the panel inside the house. If the problem is before that I will remove the meter pan seal and the meter. Some power companies use actual locks and then they must be called for service.