main content

Harris Beach PLLC Discover True Engagement image

People

About
  • About Harris Beach
  • Offices
  • Inclusion and Diversity
  • Community and Pro Bono
  • Lateral Opportunities
Careers
  • Careers at Harris Beach
  • Lateral Opportunities

Contact Us

Subsidiaries
  • HB Cornerstone
  • HB Solutions
  • Caetra.io
Industries
Legal Practices
Resources
Automotive and Vehicle Dealerships
Blockchain and Digital Assets
Cannabis
Construction and Surety
Education, K-12
EMS and Fire Protection Providers
Energy
Energy Industry Team
Sectors
Residential Electrical Submetering
Renewable Energy
Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
Food and Beverage
Food and Beverage Industry Team
Sectors
Nutritional Supplements
Health Care
Health Care Industry Team
Sectors
Long-Term Care
Higher Education
Industrial and Consumer Manufacturing
Medical and Life Sciences
Medical and Life Sciences Industry Team
Sectors
Long-Term Care
Nutritional Supplements
Pharmacy Law
Municipalities and Local Agencies
Nanotechnology
Photonics
Racing and Gaming
Real Estate Developers
Real Estate Developers Industry Team
Sectors
Retail Real Estate in New York State
Science and Technology
Telecommunications and Media
Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Drones
Veterinary Medicine
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Appellate
  • Business and Commercial Litigation
  • Collections
  • Commercial Real Estate
  • Corporate
  • Cybersecurity Protection and Response
  • Diversity Compliance
  • E-Discovery (e-info℠)
  • Employee Benefits
  • Environmental
  • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
  • Financial Restructuring, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
  • Foreclosure
  • Government Compliance and Investigations
  • Immigration
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Intellectual Property
  • International Trade
  • Internet Commerce
  • Labor and Employment
  • Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation
  • Political Law
  • Product Liability and Comprehensive General Liability
  • Public Finance and Economic Development
  • Residential Real Estate
  • Tax
  • Wills, Trusts and Estates
  • Insights
  • News
  • Events
  • Covid-19 Resources

Residential Electrical Submetering

Sector

Profile
Services
Experience
People

What is electricity submetering?

Electricity usage in multi-unit residential buildings (e.g., rental apartment, condominium, cooperative) can be metered in three ways: master metering, direct metering and submetering.

When a building uses submetered electricity, electricity is received through a utility-owned master meter, but electricity use in each unit is measured by building-owned meters. The building owner then bills electric charges to residents based on their actual consumption.

In a master metered building, the utility supplies electricity to the entire building through a utility-owned meter. Individual units are not metered, meaning actual consumption cannot be determined or used as a basis for billing electricity charges. Instead, the building owner pays the electric charges based on the master meter reading, with these costs being included in residents’ rent or common charges without regard to any individual resident’s electricity consumption. In a direct-metered building, electricity is supplied to each unit through a utility-owned meter, and residents receive their electricity bill directly from the utility.

What are the benefits of submetering electricity?

According to a report published by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), residential electrical submetering combines the best of both master metering and direct metering. Specifically, electricity is billed directly to the building owner at the less expensive general-large or multiple dwellings-redistribution rate, while billing to the resident is based on actual use up to the utility’s direct-meter rate, thus encouraging energy conservation and increasing the building’s profitability. Additionally, NYSERDA has conducted a number of studies and demonstration projects that confirm short-term and long-term benefits of submetering electricity, including: reducing annual energy use and increasing profitability; improving resident satisfaction and control of individual energy use; boosting efficiency, safety, and comfort in the building; increasing long-term property value; and allowing for participation in demand response or cogeneration. Despite these proven benefits, many building owners are not taking advantage of submetering because of the complex legal environment that needs to be navigated to secure the regulatory approval necessary to submeter electricity and the ensuing compliance obligations.

 Are you interested in submetering an existing or newly constructed multi-unit residential building but unfamiliar with the regulatory landscape to obtain submetering approval?

 The Harris Beach team of energy lawyers can assist you in applying to and obtaining approval to submeter electricity from the Public Service Commission (PSC). We understand the procedure for obtaining PSC approval. In fact, our Energy legal team has successfully obtained submetering approval for hundreds of buildings throughout New York state.

Already submetering? We will make sure you are in compliance.

For property owners who are currently submetering electricity in residential buildings, our energy lawyers can provide guidance to ensure compliance with the Public Service Law, including the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA), and the PSC’s submetering regulations (16 NYCRR Part 96), which now contain provisions for monetary penalties for noncompliance. We can also help you handle any resident complaints filed with the New York State Department of Public Service’s Office of Consumer Services.

Leader(s)

John Mcmanus

John T. McManus

Member

Team

John Mcmanus

John T. McManus

Member
Aubrey Ohanian

Aubrey A. Ohanian

Member
Harris Beach PLLC, Attorneys at Law, Discover True Engagement

Contact us

  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclaimer
  • Site Map

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
© 2023 Harris Beach PLLC

Twitter Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Make a Payment
MAke a Payment
TRUSTe
Harris Beach PLLC Discover True Engagement image

Residential Electrical Submetering

Sector

■ Profile

What is electricity submetering?

Electricity usage in multi-unit residential buildings (e.g., rental apartment, condominium, cooperative) can be metered in three ways: master metering, direct metering and submetering.

When a building uses submetered electricity, electricity is received through a utility-owned master meter, but electricity use in each unit is measured by building-owned meters. The building owner then bills electric charges to residents based on their actual consumption.

In a master metered building, the utility supplies electricity to the entire building through a utility-owned meter. Individual units are not metered, meaning actual consumption cannot be determined or used as a basis for billing electricity charges. Instead, the building owner pays the electric charges based on the master meter reading, with these costs being included in residents’ rent or common charges without regard to any individual resident’s electricity consumption. In a direct-metered building, electricity is supplied to each unit through a utility-owned meter, and residents receive their electricity bill directly from the utility.

What are the benefits of submetering electricity?

According to a report published by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), residential electrical submetering combines the best of both master metering and direct metering. Specifically, electricity is billed directly to the building owner at the less expensive general-large or multiple dwellings-redistribution rate, while billing to the resident is based on actual use up to the utility’s direct-meter rate, thus encouraging energy conservation and increasing the building’s profitability. Additionally, NYSERDA has conducted a number of studies and demonstration projects that confirm short-term and long-term benefits of submetering electricity, including: reducing annual energy use and increasing profitability; improving resident satisfaction and control of individual energy use; boosting efficiency, safety, and comfort in the building; increasing long-term property value; and allowing for participation in demand response or cogeneration. Despite these proven benefits, many building owners are not taking advantage of submetering because of the complex legal environment that needs to be navigated to secure the regulatory approval necessary to submeter electricity and the ensuing compliance obligations.

 Are you interested in submetering an existing or newly constructed multi-unit residential building but unfamiliar with the regulatory landscape to obtain submetering approval?

 The Harris Beach team of energy lawyers can assist you in applying to and obtaining approval to submeter electricity from the Public Service Commission (PSC). We understand the procedure for obtaining PSC approval. In fact, our Energy legal team has successfully obtained submetering approval for hundreds of buildings throughout New York state.

Already submetering? We will make sure you are in compliance.

For property owners who are currently submetering electricity in residential buildings, our energy lawyers can provide guidance to ensure compliance with the Public Service Law, including the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA), and the PSC’s submetering regulations (16 NYCRR Part 96), which now contain provisions for monetary penalties for noncompliance. We can also help you handle any resident complaints filed with the New York State Department of Public Service’s Office of Consumer Services.

■ Experience

  • Represented the owners of approximately 3,000 apartment units located in four complexes in New York City in multiple proceedings before the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) for approval to submeter electricity to the tenants.
  • Represent providers of submetering reading and billing services to property owners and managers on various regulatory issues and compliance, including applications to the PSC for approval to submeter electricity at their customers’ multi-family residential properties.
  • Secured approval from the PSC to submeter electricity to residential tenants in a new landmark 76-story skyscraper in lower Manhattan.
  • Secured PSC approval to submeter electricity to residential tenants in a new high-rise, passive house, building on a university campus in Manhattan
  • Represents owners of submetered residential units on various regulatory issues, including compliance with the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA).
  • Secured approval from the PSC to submeter electricity to residential tenants in a redeveloped historic property in the Capital District.
  • Represents manufacturer of digital electricity meters for submetering and other utility applications on various regulatory issues and compliance, including securing multiple PSC approvals for different submeters to be used in New York State.

■ People

John T. McManus

Member
(518) 701-2734
jmcmanus@harrisbeach.com

Aubrey A. Ohanian

Member
(518) 701-2720
aohanian@harrisbeach.com

Harris Beach and its subsidiaries provide a full range of legal and professional services for clients across New York state, as well as nationally and internationally. Harris Beach is among the country’s top law firms as ranked by The National Law Journal and is among the BTI Elite law firms based on in-depth interviews of more than 600 corporate counsel at the world’s largest and most influential companies. Our clients include Fortune 100 corporations, privately-held companies, emerging businesses, public sector entities, not-for-profit organizations and individuals. Principal industries we represent include education, energy, financial, food and beverage, health care, insurance, manufacturing, medical and life sciences, real estate developers, and state and local governments and authorities.

Industry Teams
Automotive and Vehicle Dealerships
Blockchain and Digital Assets 
Cannabis
Construction and Surety
Educational Institutions Higher Ed
Educational Institutions K-12
EMS and Fire Protection Providers
Energy
Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
Food and Beverage
Health Care
Industrial and Consumer Manufacturing
Medical and Life Sciences
Municipalities and Local Agencies
Nanotechnology
Photonics
Racing and Gaming
Real Estate Developers
Science and Technology
Telecommunications and Media
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
USA Collegiate Sports
Veterinary Medicine

Practices
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Appellate
Business and Commercial Litigation
Collection Law
Commercial Real Estate
Corporate
Cybersecurity Protection and Response
Diversity Compliance
E-Discovery (e-infoSM)
Employee Benefits
Employment Litigation
Environmental Law
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Financial Restructuring, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
Government Compliance and Investigations
Health Law
Immigration Law
Insurance Coverage
Intellectual Property Law
International Trade Law
Internet Law
Labor and Employment Law
Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation
New Markets Tax Credit
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law
Product Liability and Comprehensive General Liability
Public Finance and Economic Development
Real Property Valuation Litigation
Residential Real Estate
Tax Law
White Collar Crime
Wills, Trusts and Estates

Consulting Services
HB Solutions LLC
Collegiate Sports Compliance
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
Economic Development and Public Affairs
Educational Institution Assistance
EMRG® (E-Discovery Management Resources Group)
Energy
Health and Human Services
Human Resources
Information Technology
Marketing and Communication Services
Municipal and Local Agency Assistance

HB Cornerstone LLC
Owner Representation
Design Services
Facilities Consulting
Move Management

Caetra.io
CyMetric (Cybersecurity Regulation Compliance Software)

Offices throughout New York:

Albany
677 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
518-427-9700

Buffalo
726 Exchange Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
716-200-5050

Ithaca
119 East Seneca Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-6444

Long Island
333 Earle Ovington Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553
516-880-8484

New York City
100 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
212-687-0100

Rochester
99 Garnsey Road
Pittsford, NY 14534
585-419-8800

Saratoga Springs
513 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-587-0551

Syracuse
333 West Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-423-7100

White Plains
445 Hamilton Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
914-683-1200

Offices also in:

New Haven, CT
195 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
203-784-3159

Newark, NJ
One Gateway Center
Newark, NJ 07102
973-848-1244

Washington, DC
800-685-1429

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
© 2022 Harris Beach PLLC

Content current as of February 8, 2023 5:10 am
Cookies
This website uses cookies as specified in our privacy policy. You consent to the use of cookies by clicking accept or by using our site. We do not sell your personal information.
.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage cookies

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT