There is a photo of the current install below. The crux of the problem is that the meter base is only rated for 100amps. New meter base requires new meter. To put in a new meter requires involvement with Seattle City Light, our municipal utility. They are the ones forcing the issue.
We have suggested a number of different solutions to the utility, but their basic beef is that the cable is more than 30 years old, and thus needs to be replaced. What burns me is that the cable is large enough to support 200amp service. Were being asked to spend all this money based on a rule, not a technical need.
Other problems with current install:
-Meter is over a stairwell
-Meter is less than 5 feet off the ground (imagine stairwell is filled in)
One part of me says "Fight like hell!", but I don't see any cards in my hand. It just seems more pragmatic to suck it up and pay. Cost of a clean SC to upgrade my electric panel....WTF?!?!?!
