The new service is being installed to replace the damaged one. The old one was in poor condition with the outer jacket of the SE cable falling off. That is why it had the tape to hold it together.
Most new services being installed are 200 amp. but, the Code only requires 100 for a dwelling. As long as they can save a buck they will do whatever is cheapest.
I can only enforce the Code.
Alan--
Happy almost New Year..
