Electric Bill kWh usage is double what I usually use in new apt

A long time ago I rented an “owners unit” that was subsequently rented out – I unknowingly paid for the building electricity common charges for years. Great landlords at below market rent – I didn’t care because I was still net positive. Long story short – they voluntarily put in a new meter for those circuits after realizing the issue on their own. But yeah, this can be a thing.

dorkofwindsor

in General Discussion 5 years and 10 months ago

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Arkady | 5 years and 11 months ago

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The plot thickens…

nope | 5 years and 10 months ago

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And I wonder how many more unwitting tenants, especially in smaller buildings, are being scammed on their electric bills in a similar fashion – whether the cause is intentional or otherwise?
This particular tenant was fortunate in having a basis of direct comparison, and the added cost discrepancy was sizable enough to immediately notice and investigate.

cate | 5 years and 10 months ago

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Wow! Can’t wait to hear what you find.

resident2 | 5 years and 10 months ago

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The Law is very strict on what is called “Shared Meter” abuse. The landlord can be fined three times the amount of the whole bill.
File for an inspection by Con Ed…. they may have thrown this off to the Public Service commission, but try Con Ed first and say you think you are the victim of a “Shared Meter” condition.
Check you lease that it is not disclosed in your lease. Sometimes in Brownstones for example the hallway lights are wired so that the light in the public hall way on your floor is wired to your meter, if the landlord has disclosed this in the lease, it is not considered a shared meter condition.

shribanke

in General Discussion 5 years and 10 months ago

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This is a small 3 tenant building. Con Edison came to inspect, and after shutting down all my breakers the meter was still running.

There is nothing about a shared meter disclosed in my lease.

The meter also appears to be somewhat damaged as the last digit is not legible.

It is not a smart meter.

They are going to contact owner and let him know he has to resolve the issue.

resident2 | 5 years and 10 months ago

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A three family needs 4 meters; one for each tenant & one for the public halls, exterior lights & cellar etc. Unless one unit is owner occupied and the “public Halls & cellar” are connected to the owners meter.

nope | 5 years and 10 months ago

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Under the circumstances, perhaps it would also be wise to have your gas meter connections & usage checked out as well. Or at least compare them to your prior bills, if using the same prior equipment in the same way.
By the way when I once shut down all my electrical devices and found the meter still running, it was due to some lighted wall light switches that could not be simply turned off.
So be sure that everything possible is unplugged when testing- since some devices still drawn current even when switched off. Fully unplugging everything is the best test.

Guest User | 5 years and 10 months ago

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Have there been any resolutions or updates on this matter? Inquiring minds want to know!