Electric Metering

Contractors, Engineers and Customers:

We want to make the job of installing electric metering equipment easier for you. That's why we're providing the following documents that outline some things you'll need to know before starting your job:

Customer Purchased Meter Sockets
(256 KB, 15 pages, revised: 05-2011)

Electric Service and Metering Information and Requirements
(3621 KB, 69 pages, revised: 12-2010)

Meter Socket Distribution Map

Multi-Position Meter Socket Distributors
(129 KB, 8 pages, revised: 03-2007)

If you have questions, please call us toll-free at (800) 477-5050.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Metering Installations

How do I get started on requesting new electric service or upgrading my existing electric service?
You may call our toll-free number at (800) 477-5050 to request new electric service or upgrade existing electric service. Our customer service representative will help you through the process. Also, you may apply for service at eServices.

Where can I find more information about electric metering requirements?
You can find more information within Electric Service and Metering Information & Requirements.

Why is it important to install only approved meter sockets?
Consumers Energy will only install electric service to an approved meter socket. Customers may use self-contained, one- and two-position meter sockets that Consumers Energy provides or may purchase approved meter sockets from our approved list.

Who do I contact?
For new electric service or an upgrade to existing service, phone (800) 477-5050. You will be assigned a Customer Energy Specialist (CES) in your area. The CES will coordinate the installation of the new service or upgrade and help ensure that our requirements are met.

What are the requirements for electric metering?
Here is a full list of the requirements.

When is it time to upgrade my existing electric meter socket?
If you are increasing load, you should consider whether your meter socket is rated to handle it. If you have an older 60-amp service and meter socket and you are upgrading your service, you should install a new meter socket (a minimum of 100 amp service and socket are required). If your meter socket has signs of wear or overheating, you should contact a qualified, licensed electrical contractor.

What are the different types of meter sockets?
There are many different types of sockets that Consumers Energy requires for different applications. Here is a simple breakdown:

Number of meter positions:
Single Position	Two Position	Three or More Position
There are single-position sockets for a single meter. Consumers Energy will furnish the single-position sockets.	There are multiple-position sockets for two or more meters in a grouped installation. Consumers Energy will furnish the two-position, horizontal style sockets.	If a three- or more position socket is needed, the customer or electrical contractor must purchase a socket that is listed on Consumers Energy ‘s approved list*.

Socket Ampere Ratings:	Types of Sockets:
100 Amp- for up to a 100 amp service 200 Amp- for up to a 200 amp service 400 Amp- for up to a 400 amp service Over 400 Amp requires specialized ITR metering equipment	Residential Commercial Single-phase Three-phase (Poly-phase) Self-Contained Instrument Transformer Rated (ITR)

Single Phase – One Position Meter Sockets
Ampere Rating	Service Entrance into Socket	Service Application	Voltage	Wire	Sockets Are Obtained From:	CE Stock Number
100 A	Overhead	Residential	120/240v	three	Consumers Energy	10029602
200 A	Overhead	Residential	120/240v	three	Consumers Energy	10029607
200 A	Underground	Residential	120/240v	three	Consumers Energy	10029611
320 A	Overhead/Underground	Res/Comm	120/240v	three	Consumers Energy	10029699

Single Phase – Multiple Position Meter Sockets
Ampere Rating Per Meter Position	Service Entrance into Socket	Service Application	Voltage	Wire	# Of Meter Positions	Sockets Obtained From
200 A	Overhead/Underground	Res/Comm	120/240v	three	two	Consumers Energy 10029699
200 A	Overhead/Underground	Res/Comm	120/240v	three	three or more*	Retail Distributor
*As of January 1, 2005, Consumers Energy will no longer furnish the three-, four-, five-, or six-position sockets. For a three- or more position meter socket, the customer will be required to purchase the approved socket. For more information, see Customer Purchased Meter Sockets .

Three Phase – One Position Meter Sockets
Ampere Rating	Service Entrance into Socket	Service Application	Voltage	Wire	Sockets Are Obtained From:	Stock Number
200 A	Overhead/Underground	Commercial	120/208Y, 277/480Y, 120/240D	four	Consumers Energy	10029698
320 A	Overhead/Underground	Commercial	120/208Y, 277/480Y, 120/240D	four	Consumers Energy	10029719

Three Phase – Multiple Position Meter Sockets
Ampere Rating per Meter Position	Service Entrance into Socket	Service Application	Voltage	Wire	# Of Meter Positions	Sockets Obtained From
200 A	Overhead/Underground	Commercial	120/208Y, 277/480Y, 120/240D	four	two	Consumers Energy 10029777
200 A	Overhead/Underground	Commercial	120/208Y, 277/480Y, 120/240D	four	three or more*	Retail Distributor
*As of January 1, 2005, Consumers Energy will not furnish the three-, four-, five-, or six-position sockets. For a three- or more position meter socket, the customer will be required to purchase the approved socket. For more information, see Customer Purchased Meter Sockets .

Instrument Transformer Rated Sockets & Equipment

ITR metering equipment involving a current transformer (CT) cabinet shall be mounted by the contractor along with the ITR meter socket. Consumers Energy designates and furnishes the necessary equipment.