Electric sub-panel recommendations

[Frank Rizzo]

Hi,

I own a property with 2 cottages on the same electric meter that I pay the bill on. When i renewer the leases I changed it so they would be responsible for their own electric bill (they have been abusing it with space heaters). I have been looking for an affordable solution to sub meter their panels. I have come across options that look good but require Wi-Fi (I don’t want to have to access their Wi-Fi  to do this.) I also don’t want to visit the property every month to note wattage usage. Does anyone have a recommendation of a product or method that may work?

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

We frequently install submeters, and have for many years. A licensed electrician just installed one of these for $875 all in:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kbjC...

We just add into the rental agreement, that the tenant is required to take a photo on the (DATE) of each month (ideally, to coincide with the service dates of the main meter) and email it to us. All you need to do is track the readings, subtracting most recent from the last to get your usage for that unit, which you subtract from the usage on the main meter.

Just be POSITIVE that all circuits are separate between the units. Take the time to map them out, including ceiling lights, to be sure. You may have to do some re-wiring depending on what prior handymen/owners have done as "improvements".