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Replacing a meter stack
One meter per account, grouped meter bases: what a building’s meter stack is, where it goes, and who handles Hydro-Québec during the replacement.
In short
A meter stack is several meter bases joined by common busbars: one piece of equipment for all of a building’s meters.
- Hydro-Québec allows only one metering point per customer: each account has its own meter.
- When there are several meter bases, it’s preferable to group them on one or more multiple-meter devices.
- From seven delivery points, a metering centre becomes mandatory if the devices aren’t installed outdoors.
- At STM-Électrique, the replacement usually leaves the building without power for about 6 hours.
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What a meter stack is
Hydro-Québec calls it a “multiple-meter device”: equipment that groups several meter bases joined together by common busbars.
Each meter matches one customer: for a given location and voltage, Hydro-Québec allows only one metering point per customer.
The Régie du bâtiment gives the example of a six-unit building: a single Hydro-Québec service, and the six meters grouped on a single consumer service.
This guide covers the meters and meter bases. For the building’s main equipment, see replacing a building’s switchgear.
Where it goes
| Situation | What the Blue Book provides |
|---|---|
| Multiple-meter device | Always outdoors, on the building it serves |
| Position in the installation | Between the connection point and the service boxes |
| Access | An easily accessible spot, at ground level, on the ground floor or on a floor |
| Seven delivery points or more | Metering centre mandatory if outdoor devices aren’t chosen |
That metering centre, a metal enclosure, groups the meter bases, protection or disconnecting devices and sometimes a service box; it can be in a meter room, a room set up to hold them.
Who owns what
The meter itself belongs to Hydro-Québec, and Hydro-Québec installs it and puts the installation in service.
Each meter base carries a mark: the building’s address or the unit number, put on by the master electrician. That’s what ties each meter to the right unit.
For a house’s mast and meter base, see who pays for what.
The replacement
For a new meter stack, the master electrician favours meter bases and multiple-meter devices with combined breakers.
On capacity, for a 120/240 V multiple-meter device, its rated capacity, shown on the nameplate, can be used instead of the sum of the service boxes it feeds.
Hydro-Québec receives the service request from the master electrician at the planning stage, then the declaration of work when everything is ready. At STM-Électrique, our team does these forms.
A meter stack to replace?
We examine the meter bases and meters; the price is written in the quote, at no charge.
Send my quote requestShutdown and tenants
During the replacement, the units are without power: at STM-Électrique, usually about 6 hours.
You know how long the work will take as soon as you get the quote.
If the work affects a dwelling in a major way, repairs or improvements, the tenant gets written notice ten days ahead, according to the Tribunal administratif du logement: the Tribunal says which notice applies.
Frequently asked questions
What is a meter stack?
A multiple-meter device: several meter bases joined by common busbars, one per meter.
Is one meter per unit required?
One per customer: Hydro-Québec allows only one metering point per customer for a given location and voltage. A unit with its own account therefore has its own meter.
Does the meter stack have to be outdoors?
The multiple-meter device is always installed outdoors, on the building. From seven delivery points, an indoor metering centre is mandatory if that option isn’t chosen.
Do the meters belong to the owner?
No. Only the meter belongs to Hydro-Québec; the meter bases are part of the building’s installation.
How long are the units without electricity?
About 6 hours in general with us; the duration is given with the quote.
A meter stack to replace?
Meter bases and Hydro-Québec forms: we take care of them, with the price written in the quote.
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Sources
Consulted on October 28, 2026.