PROPERTY MANAGERS & DEVELOPERS

1. What is sub-metering?

Typically a multi-residential property has one bulk meter for the entire property or a bulk meter for each building and the property is responsible for the entire bulk utility bill. Sub-metering allows a landlord, property management firm, condominium corporation, or multi-tenant property to bill tenants for individually measured electricity use.

Sub-metering empowers tenants to conserve electricity by putting them in control of their own electricity costs. Each tenant only pays for the energy they use, they do not subsidize their neighbours’ energy use.

How submeters work:

• Sub-meters are connected to the electrical panel in the “electrical rooms” in the building.
• Sub-meters communicate with a data centre over existing wireless networks, telephone lines or internet connections.
• The data is collected electronically, and compiled to create a monthly bill for each tenant.

For more information, please refer to an article, "Submetering: Boosting your bottom line!"

2. Why should I sub-meter my building?

There has never been a better time to implement sub-metering in Ontario. As energy prices soar 45% over the next five years and rent increases are capped at 2.5% per year, no other energy management option can match the efficiencies of sub-metering:

• Decrease operating costs
• Increase property values
• No capital costs
• Reduce energy consumption by up to 34%
• Reduce exposure to future price escalation
• Allow residents to pay for only what they use and deliver a financial incentive for their conservation efforts
• Provide online consumption data for analysis by residents and owners i.e. track potential issues such as faulty equipment or prohibited activities

Wyse is unique in that we bring a full solution to our customers. From installing meters, to managing meter data, providing a fully compliant CIS, remittance processing and call centre services, we are well positioned to meet your sub-metering needs.

3. What utilities can I sub-meter?

Sub-metering offers efficiencies for all utilities – electricity, water and gas.

With Wyse’s advanced reporting service, you can analyze all of your utility usage data in a single online portal and identify opportunities to save energy, track large energy users and reduce operating costs.

4. What is a smart meter?

A smart meter has a digital display and built-in Automated Meter Reading (AMR), which records how much and when electricity is used, typically hourly, and transmits this information automatically. At Wyse we use the best technology and smart meters on the market.

One of the biggest advantages of a smart meter is accurate, detailed data monitoring for the customer. Tenants can view consumption data online and take control of their energy usage. Time-of-use rates provide a financial incentive for using energy at off-peak times, as well as helping the environment.

5. Who supplies the energy to a sub-meter?

The energy supplied to a sub-meter is no different from a bulk meter – the energy comes from local, regulated, licensed sources. The same high quality and availability are consistent in sub-metering.

• Electricity is supplied by Local Distribution Companies (LDCs)
• Water is supplied by XX
• Gas is supplied by XX

6. What are the project costs to sub-meter?

At Wyse we deliver customized, turnkey sub-metering solutions with no capital costs or operating costs for the property manager, condo owner or developer. Bottom line, we pay for the meters and installation.

7. How do I get started?

Please send us an email at sales@wysemeter.com , call us at 1.800.672.1134, or fill out a form on our Contact Us page.

8. How do I train my building staff for sub-metering?

Wyse provides a comprehensive training program and will train your property management employees at every level of your organization, from the executive team, to regional managers and front line/superintendent employees. The robust training program is designed to ensure a smooth rollout and is included in our turnkey services.

9. How do I train my tenants or condo owners for sub-metering?

Wyse provides a comprehensive customer service program and takes great care in welcoming and servicing tenants and condo owners.

We cover the sub-metering processes for installation, meter reading, enrollment, billing, reporting, payment, moving and energy conservation etc. We use a number of training tools, including presentations, collateral materials, online resources, ongoing call centre support and new customer information packages.

10. How do tenants and condo owners reduce energy usage?

You save energy when you make good choices regarding your lighting, heating & cooling, water, home appliances and electronic equipment. Wyse provides Energy Saving Tips to save energy without sacrificing comfort .

Tenants and condo owners can track their energy usage using Wyse’s online presentation tool and see how their conservation efforts result in cost savings.

Our training program includes a key focus on energy education and our experienced call centre can provide ongoing assistance.

11. How do I implement sub-metering in my new building?

Sub-metering a new building can be completed alongside the planned construction without expensive structural changes. At Wyse we know how to work with your contractors to deliver seamless solutions. Your smart meters & technology supports will arrive on time for installation, period. We can jump into a construction project with minimal lead-time and we can expertly get sub-metering up and running very quickly.

As residents move in, Wyse is ready to support them with new sub-metering information packages so they can immediately take control of their own energy costs.

Sub-metering a new building will set the stage for good management of energy use in common areas, ensure appropriate cost allocation and reduced maintenance costs.

12. How do I implement sub-metering in my existing building?

Sub-metering can be implemented in an existing building without costly structural changes.

• Sub-meters are connected to the electrical panel in the “electrical rooms” in the building.
• Sub-meters communicate with a data centre over existing wireless networks, telephone lines or Internet connections.

Resident disruptions are minimal and the full system is online & operational the same day.