Adjust Font Size

Smart metering, electricity sub-metering in multi-residential rental sector

Electricity sub-metering in multi-residential apartment buildings is not cost-effective, not an effective method of energy conservation, and not fair to tenants. This is the position outlined in the May 2005 report that ACTO prepared for the Low-Income Energy Network titled Zapping Tenants: A critical analysis of sub-metering in the residential rental sector. The provincial government has been considering amending the Tenant Protection Act to allow landlords, without the consent of the sitting tenants, to install electricity sub-meters in existing multi-residential buildings and bill tenants directly for their in-suite electricity use.

ACTO also opposed Smart Metering (with time-of-use pricing) and electricity sub-metering in multi-residential rental buildings at the Justice Policy Committee hearings on Bill 21, Energy Conservation Responsibity Act, 2005.

The new Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 will allow unilateral sub-metering in existing multi-residential rental buildings where tenants currently pay for utilities in their rent. This means that the landlord, without the tenants’ consent, will be able to install Smart Meters to measure in-suite electricity use and bill the tenants directly and separately from the rent.

While the RTA also includes provisions for rent reductions for tenants and energy conservation obligations on landlords, the details are to be worked out in regulations. However, the MMAH is deferring the development of smart metering regulations until after the RTA is proclaimed in force. MMAH will consult with ACTO as these regulations are developed.