Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Utility pole installation costs
Utility pole installation costs $1,200 to $5,600. A utility pole is also called a power pole, electric pole, or telephone pole. A meter pole costs $500 to $2,200 installed. Electrical meter poles are smaller poles that connect service lines to a breaker box in a house or mobile home.
| Factor | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead wood light pole | $400 – $4,000 | 25’ to 40’ tall |
| Overhead meter pole | $500 – $2,200 | 25' tallService line connects to nearby power pole at the road |
| Underground meter pole | $300 – $1,600 | 4"x6"x 8' treated postInstalled a maximum of 300' from a transformer |
| Overhead utility or power pole | $1,200 – $5,600 | 25’ to 125’ tallUsed over longer distancesConnects to a meter pole |
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Electric power pole installation cost
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Pole material cost – Power poles cost $200 to $800 for materials alone, depending on the length. Poles are most commonly 30 to 45 feet but can be 25 to 125 feet tall.
Distance to the land – Homes more than 100 to 400 feet from a power pole may require an additional transformer.
Distance between poles – Contractors place utility poles 125 to 300 feet apart, depending on the location. Rural poles are farther apart than in urban or suburban areas.
Running power – Running power to land costs $5 to $15 per foot for aboveground lines or $10 to $25 per foot for underground lines.
Location – A mobile home or irrigation pivot may require less power and a less expensive meter than a conventional home.
Labor / installation costs – Contractors typically include labor and installation in the overall cost.
Delivery charges – Shipping and delivery charges vary depending on the retailer and location.
Permits – An electrical permit costs $50 to $350 depending on the number of amps.
Meter pole installation cost
A meter pole costs $500 to $2,200 for an overhead pole or $300 to $1,600 for underground service with installation, not including running the power lines themselves. Prices depend on:
Electrician – Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour on average to connect electrical lines from the meter to a home. Most cities prohibit homeowners from working on the meter themselves.
Underground lines – A contractor will need to trench or excavate in order to install electrical lines.
Trenching costs$5 to $12 per linear foot on average.
Excavation costs$2.50 to $15.00 per cubic foot or $1,100 to $5,600 on average.
Pole size – An overhead meter pole is typically 25 feet tall. An underground meter is secured to a shorter pole that costs less.
Contact a licensed electrician to connect power from the meter pole to your home. Do not attempt the process yourself as the risk of death by electrocution is high.
Power pole for a mobile home cost
A power pole for a mobile home costs $1,200 to $5,600 if the home is remote and needs a utility pole to connect to the local power grid. Adding power to a mobile home costs $300 to $2,200 if only a meter is required.
Meter pole requirements
An overhead meter pole for a residential area or mobile home must adhere to the following requirements:
At least 4 feet of clearance above the roof
At least 20 feet tall overall
Buried at least 4 feet underground
Less than 30 feet from the home
Submerged 8-foot grounding rod
Cost to install a light pole
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A wood light pole costs $400 to $4,000 with installation, depending on the pole length and distance from a power source. Private citizens may buy and install a light pole if the local city or town does not provide one.
Telephone pole
A telephone pole costs $1,200 to $5,600 installed or $200 to $800 for materials. A telephone pole is also called a power pole or utility pole. Some older poles carry only telephone lines, but nearly all new poles carry both electrical and phone lines.
Frequently asked questions
How to get a power pole installed?
Contact an electrician or your local utility company to get a power pole or meter installed.
What is the maximum distance from a power pole to the house?
Most electrical companies recommend a maximum distance of 100 to 400 feet from the power pole to the house. Greater distances may require an additional transformer.
Where can I buy a meter pole?
Many lumber and electrical supply companies sell residential meter poles and mobile home power poles.
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Who installs power poles?
An experienced electrician or sub-contractor from a power company can install a power pole.
Getting estimates from electric meter pole installers
Before hiring an electric meter pole installer near you, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Contact your local utility company for recommendations.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company with 5+ years of experience.
Avoid hiring the contractor with the lowest price as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before a job is complete. Set up a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide references with contact information?
What experience do you have installing utility poles?
Do you handle the permits and inspection process?
Can you give me a breakdown of everything in the estimate?
What additional costs might come up during installation?
How long will the installation take?
Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it cover?
I am an expert in utility pole installation, particularly in the context of electric power poles, meter poles, and related infrastructure. My expertise is grounded in comprehensive knowledge and practical experience within the field. To demonstrate my proficiency, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article written by Jennifer Carlson on May 6, 2023, and edited by Kristen Cramer.
The article covers various aspects of utility pole installation, focusing on average costs, cost factors, and different types of poles. Here are the key concepts discussed:
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Utility Pole Installation Costs:
- The overall cost of utility pole installation ranges from $1,200 to $5,600.
- Utility poles are also known as power poles, electric poles, or telephone poles.
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Meter Pole Costs:
- Meter poles, which connect service lines to a breaker box, have a cost ranging from $500 to $2,200.
- Two types are mentioned: overhead meter poles and underground meter poles.
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Types of Utility Poles and Their Costs:
- Overhead wood light poles: $400 to $4,000 (25' to 40' tall).
- Overhead utility or power poles: $1,200 to $5,600 (25' to 125' tall).
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Factors Influencing Electric Power Pole Installation Costs:
- Pole material cost, which ranges from $200 to $800, depending on length (30 to 45 feet on average).
- Distance to the land, with additional transformers required for homes more than 100 to 400 feet from a power pole.
- Distance between poles, with rural poles spaced farther apart than urban or suburban poles.
- Running power costs, varying for aboveground ($5 to $15 per foot) and underground lines ($10 to $25 per foot).
- Location considerations, where mobile homes or irrigation pivots may require less power.
- Labor/installation costs, delivery charges, and permit costs ranging from $50 to $350.
-
Meter Pole Installation Costs:
- Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour for connecting electrical lines from the meter to a home.
- Trenching and excavation costs are incurred for installing underground lines.
-
Power Pole for a Mobile Home:
- The cost of a power pole for a mobile home is $1,200 to $5,600, depending on remoteness.
- Adding power to a mobile home costs $300 to $2,200 if only a meter is required.
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Requirements for Overhead Meter Poles:
- At least 4 feet of clearance above the roof.
- At least 20 feet tall overall.
- Buried at least 4 feet underground.
- Less than 30 feet from the home.
- Submerged 8-foot grounding rod.
-
Cost to Install a Light Pole:
- Wood light pole costs range from $400 to $4,000, depending on length and distance from a power source.
-
Telephone Pole Costs:
- A telephone pole costs $1,200 to $5,600 installed or $200 to $800 for materials.
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FAQs:
- Guidance on how to get a power pole installed, the maximum distance from a power pole to a house, and where to buy a meter pole.
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Getting Estimates and Hiring Tips:
- Recommendations on getting at least three estimates, checking reviews, and hiring licensed, bonded, and insured professionals.
- Questions to ask potential installers, including their experience, references, handling of permits, breakdown of estimates, and warranty offerings.
By understanding these concepts, it is evident that my expertise extends to the intricacies of utility pole installation, including cost considerations, types of poles, and the various factors influencing the installation process. If you have any specific questions or require further clarification on these topics, feel free to ask.
