Shared Meter Agreement

A shared meter agreement is a contractual arrangement between a utility provider and a customer where two or more tenants, or households, share a metered utility service. This agreement is typically used for electricity, water, or gas services in multi-unit buildings.

Shared meter agreements are often utilized in buildings where it is not cost-effective or feasible to install individual meters for each unit. Instead, the utility provider will install one meter to measure the usage of all tenants in the building. Each tenant will then be billed a share of the total usage based on their individual consumption level.

While shared meter agreements can be beneficial for both utility providers and tenants, they can also be a source of conflict if not executed properly. It`s important for tenants to read and understand the agreement before signing and moving into the building. Here are some key things to consider:

1. Billing cycle – Determine when utility bills will be issued and what time period is covered by each bill.

2. Meter reading – Make sure the meter is read accurately and consistently to ensure fair billing.

3. Payment responsibility – Understand who is responsible for payment of the bill and how payment will be made.

4. Dispute resolution – Determine the process for handling disputes related to billing or meter reading.

5. Renewal and termination – Know how long the agreement lasts and what the process is for renewal or termination.

In addition to these considerations, tenants should also be aware of their rights under the shared meter agreement. For example, tenants have the right to request a meter reading if they believe their bill is inaccurate. They also have the right to dispute a bill if they believe they are being unfairly charged.

In summary, a shared meter agreement can be a convenient and cost-effective way for tenants to access utility services in multi-unit buildings. However, it`s important for tenants to understand the terms of the agreement and their rights under it to avoid disputes and ensure fair billing.