Sub Electric meter q?

[The Cobbler]

What are the best options for sub metering a service in a sub lease office/ warehouse space ?
150 amp main metered panel with A 60 amp circuit feeding a sub panel that runs a 200sqft office space that might be sub let

looking to sub meter the office space, so the sub tenant can be billed for usage
The main meter is a smart meter , based on time of day rates .

 

[sparky 1971]

I would look into putting an Emon meter on the 60 amp feeder. You would have to do the reading yourself and bill it back to the tenant.

 

[The Cobbler]

do they record time of day usage?
have a link to what I should look at?
Thanks

 

[yatg]

Try EKM

What is Time Of Use (TOU) Metering?

Time Of Use (TOU) metering provides a way for utilities to vary the cost/kWh based on the time of day. This allows them to charge more when the demand is highest, which is typically in the middle of the day. TOU is separated into up to four time ...

help.ekmmetering.com

 

[The Cobbler]

thanks
looks like a good option

 

[rlitman]

At my work, we use EI Gaugetech Nexus 1352 meters for revenue grade TOU metering. But a single meter setup like that runs north of $4000 once you figure in the cost of the IR probe, Form 9S meter pan, closed CTs and software licensing. Not to mention the technical hoops you have to jump through (thankfully I got a day of training at their facility). In our case, TOU is based on calendar days, with weekends and holidays being off-peak. When you don't need an environmental rated meter with the calendar (not to mention power quality monitoring), they have a FAR more reasonably priced line.

Shark® 200S/100S Multifunction WiFi Electric Submeter

Data Logging Multifunction WiFi Electric Submeter for Data Acquisition, Load Profiling, Cost Allocation and Billing. Low cost, easy install.

www.electroind.com

 

[Norcal]

With the switch to smart meters there was a glut of KWH meters, so they are cheap. I would get a 4 -jaw meter can & a KWH meter, a very low cost solution.

 

[VT JD]

Cobbler,
You may want to look into the requirements for sub-metering as set out by the Ontario Energy Board.
I have been out of the business for a number of years now but the OEB used to have certain requirements for sub-metering and billing.
Just an FYI

 

[rlitman]

With the switch to smart meters there was a glut of KWH meters, so they are cheap. I would get a 4 -jaw meter can & a KWH meter, a very low cost solution.

And you would manage TOU how? I suppose you could get two meters in parallel with a make-before-break transfer switch arrangement, but it just seems like a bad idea.

 

[yatg]

Cobbler,
You may want to look into the requirements for sub-metering as set out by the Ontario Energy Board.
I have been out of the business for a number of years now but the OEB used to have certain requirements for sub-metering and billing.
Just an FYI

Don't understand why utility companies stick their noses in this, i.e. subbilling.

Include the estimated cost of the electric in the rent at the highest rate. If they are good tenants, give them a refund when they leave. Accurate subilling gets complicated if your POCO uses tiered billing, you'll have to do some extra math.

 

[mikedodge]

Whatever you get make sure it's a revenue grade meter installed properly. It can become more of a problem if you don't if there is ever any dispute over what you're charging them.
What kind of stuff are they using? If its only basic and no big servers or equipment you might be better off figuring out how much power they'd be using and add it into the lease instead.

 

[K13]

Don't understand why utility companies stick their noses in this, i.e. subbilling.

Include the estimated cost of the electric in the rent at the highest rate. If they are good tenants, give them a refund when they leave. Accurate subilling gets complicated if your POCO uses tiered billing, you'll have to do some extra math.

They are not a utility company they are an independent regulator for electricity and gas so people don't get ripped off.

And it looks more complicated than just slapping a meter on as VT JD suggested.

https://www.oeb.ca/oeb/_Documents/Regulatory/Unit_Sub-Metering_Code.pdf

 

[BillK]

Is the office space heated already ? I would just add a little to the rent amount and say that the electric is included ? I might think differently if the tenant was going to use electric heat/cooling. 200 sq ft is not very big. How much electric could they use ?

 

[The Cobbler]

Thanks for all the replies.
lots of food for thought here

BillK​

they will probably use more than the rest of the building, assuming they are there regular business hrs

 

[wyliesdiesels]

With the switch to smart meters there was a glut of KWH meters, so they are cheap. I would get a 4 -jaw meter can & a KWH meter, a very low cost solution.

that wont work for TOU metering

 

[rlitman]

Don't understand why utility companies stick their noses in this, i.e. subbilling...

It's government that's sticking its nose in. There are laws in many states that regulate utility companies and how they bill. By sub-metering, you may find yourself regulated AS a utility. Data-centers and car chargers get around this by claiming a value add. It's not the same for other landlords.

Is the office space heated already ? I would just add a little to the rent amount and say that the electric is included ? I might think differently if the tenant was going to use electric heat/cooling. 200 sq ft is not very big. How much electric could they use ?

That may be an option if you trust your tenant.

 

[FMB4]

Rent paying tenant = do it by code/regulations.