Meter tails out of the bottom of exterior surface mounted meter box.

[JohnW2]

.... The diagram from NP saying they had to exit through the base was actually for an inset box so maybe it didn't apply to me anyway.

I would have thought it would be quite difficult (tedious) to exit the box from the bottom if it were 'inset' into a wall, wouldn't it?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I would have thought it would be quite difficult (tedious) to exit the box from the bottom if it were 'inset' into a wall, wouldn't it?

That is what my inset cabinet does, the tails exit into the cavity.

 

[JohnW2]

That is what my inset cabinet does, the tails exit into the cavity.

I suppose that's the only easy way it can be done (even though some people will disapprove of cables in cavities of walls) - but much more difficult (tedious and disruptive) if it's a solid wall.