First Floor/ Basement Duplex - Shared Meter Issue - ConEd

[Michael M.]

Hello all,

I own a 2 family in the Bronx.  I have lived in the first floor unit/basement since I purchased the house.  The basement is attached to the first floor unit, but also has 2 means of egress.  Essentially it is set up as a separate apartment - fridge, stove, microwave, toilet, stand-up shower.

We moved to the second floor apartment, and to avoid dealing with illegal apartment issues with the basement, we capped the gas line and removed the stove and rented the apartment out to a friend as a first floor/basement duplex on a single lease.  

When we went to ConEd to switch our electric bills, ConEd informed me that we have a "shared meter" situation that was reported before I purchased the home, and that the bill could not be switched until the shared meter has been fixed.

I plan to get separate meters, and some electricians are coming out to give me estimates.  My questions are:

1) What should I be charged for this job?  Unfortunately some of the circuit breakers include basement AND 1st floor outlets/lights.

2) When ConEd comes to inspect the electrician's work, can I get in trouble for an illegal apartment even though it is not being leased as one?  Can they call the DOB about the stove line, fridge, or the separate shower, etc.?  Also, the tenant has set up a room downstairs as a bedroom.  Can this get me in trouble also?  The other room is a rec-room style room with couch/TV.

[Michael M.]

I am currently paying the electric bills and renting to tenants with utilities included as I try to figure out the mess.  I have been advised to have coned come out and check the situation to prove that the tenant is using both floors as per lease, which I plan to do.  Will update this thread afterwards.