If your condo board is considering submetering, you are not alone. Hundreds of Ontario condominium corporations have already made the transition. The process involves board approval, provider selection, resident communication, and a structured rollout.
The first step is a board resolution. Most condominium corporations require a board motion to proceed with submetering. Some may require a vote of the owners depending on the declaration and bylaws. Review your governing documents and consult with your condo lawyer if there is any ambiguity.
One of the most common questions boards ask is whether submetering affects the reserve fund. In general, submetering equipment installed by a licensed USMP is owned and maintained by the provider, not the corporation. This means it typically does not create a reserve fund obligation. However, every situation is different, and boards should confirm with their reserve fund planner.
Provider selection should go beyond pricing. Boards should verify OEB licensing, evaluate the provider's billing and customer service capabilities, review dispute resolution processes, and ask for references from similar buildings. The OEB Unit Sub-Metering Code sets minimum standards that all licensed USMPs must meet.
Resident communication is critical. Start early, at least 30 days before installation begins. Provide a clear FAQ addressing the four main concerns: fairness, disruption, privacy, and affordability. Include information about OESP and other bill assistance programs.
The transition period is where most friction occurs. A well-managed rollout includes phased installation, clear scheduling communicated to affected floors, prompt customer service availability for billing questions, and follow-up education in the first 90 days.
After go-live, boards should monitor key metrics: resident complaints, billing accuracy, collections performance, and overall building electricity consumption trends. These data points help demonstrate the value of the program at annual general meetings.