Myth 1: Submetering always increases bills. Reality: Submetering reallocates costs based on actual usage. Residents who use less than average typically pay less than they did under bulk billing. Residents who use more will pay more. The total building cost of electricity does not change because of submetering itself.
Myth 2: The submetering company sets the electricity rates. Reality: Electricity rates in Ontario are set by the Ontario Energy Board. Your local distribution company delivers the electricity at those rates. A licensed USMP passes through these charges with no markup, as required by the OEB Unit Sub-Metering Code. The USMP charges a separate service fee for metering and billing.
Myth 3: Submetering is unregulated. Reality: Unit Sub-Meter Providers in Ontario are licensed and regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. The OEB Unit Sub-Metering Code sets minimum standards for billing, customer service, deposits, arrears agreements, and dispute handling.
Myth 4: The building owner pays for the meters. Reality: In most submetering arrangements, the USMP covers the cost of meter installation at zero capital cost to the building. The provider recovers its investment through the ongoing service fee charged to residents.
Myth 5: Submetering invades privacy. Reality: Submeters measure electricity consumption. They do not track what you do inside your unit, what devices you use, or any personal information beyond usage data needed for billing.
Myth 6: You cannot dispute a submetered bill. Reality: The OEB Unit Sub-Metering Code includes requirements for complaint handling and dispute resolution. If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact your provider. If the complaint is substantiated, you should not be charged for it.
Myth 7: Low-income residents have no options. Reality: Ontario offers the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), which provides a monthly on-bill credit for eligible low-income households. LEAP provides emergency bill assistance. Both programs are available to submetered residents.
Myth 8: Submetering is only for new buildings. Reality: Most existing buildings can be retrofitted with submetering. A site survey identifies the best installation approach based on the building's electrical configuration. Modern metering technology has made retrofits simpler and less disruptive than they were a decade ago.