N.Y. PSC to Require Greater Individual, Utility Metering of Multi-Unit Developments

The New York PSC will issue for comment proposed regulations which would require greater direct metering by the utility for individual units in multi-unit complexes.

A written order was not immediately available.

The PSC said that the proposed changes, "include requiring that individual units in multi-unit new construction and substantially renovated premises be directly metered by the utility unless a petition demonstrates that master metering with submetering is necessary for on-site co-generation, demand-response programs or alternative, advanced energy efficiency initiatives."

Tenants with submetered accounts, because they are not metered by the utility, cannot choose their own ESCO, as the customer of record is the master-metered account holder.

Direct metering of individual units by the utility would open such units to competitive supply choices by the individual customer, rather than landlord.

Furthermore, the PSC said that a case-by-case review of requests to submeter, accompanied by a comprehensive Commission order, will be conducted in situations in which electric heat is included in rent, or when a petitioner elects to submeter in lieu of direct metering in new construction. Electric heated buildings must show that a substantial majority of the tenants will benefit or be unharmed financially as a result of submetering.

The proceeding is Case Number 11-M-0710.