There's an 8 foot long copper rod as the earth ground now. Replacing the existing connection would be nasty, the power company would have to come out to pull th

There's an 8 foot long copper rod as the earth ground now. Replacing the existing connection would be nasty, the power company would have to come out to pull the meter (it's sealed) to get at the bonding strap inside the box and it's doubtful they'd reenergize the place without a visible bond.