Adding an Electric Meter to Quad

[Tyler Lingle]

Hi there, I have a quadplex on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. The upstairs units (2) share HVAC and an electric meter. The issue is, it's in my name and I forget all the time to back bill it to the tenants... I'm looking to do a new electric meter and permanently change it so that tenants can just put utilities into their names. Does anyone have experience adding an electric meter? Is it super pricey? This is Indy so it's AES. Any help is appreciated here!

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

Adding a submeter is not terrible, around $1k here. The bigger issue is how are the actual electrical distribution circuits mapped out? Typically, one circuit will provide power to all/most of the ceiling lights per floor, while multiple separate circuits will power parts of several room's outlets. Of course kitchen and bath also have additional individual circuits for appliances and GFCI. Changing this distribution so power can be completely separated from one unit to the other can be very costly, and usually involves opening walls. This MUST be done by a licensed Electrician.