Can You Have Two Electric Meters On One Property?

Yes, it is entirely feasible to install two electricity meters within a single residential unit. If you own a property with mixed uses, such as flats above a retail space, and wish to provide each tenant with their own electricity meter, you might be in a good position to do so without significant setup changes. Many buildings are already equipped with a three-phase electricity supply, which may not be fully utilized. This means you might have one or more spare phases available that can be used to connect additional meters. However, this setup requires authorization from your electricity service provider, as the regulations governing such installations can vary significantly from one provider to another.

Why Consider Multiple Meters?

In many apartment buildings, it is common to see multiple electricity meters grouped together on a single distribution panel board. Each meter is tasked with monitoring the electricity usage of an individual apartment, allowing for separate billing per unit. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for both tenants and property owners.

Benefits of Having Dual Electricity Meters

One of the primary benefits of having two meters is the more equitable distribution of the electrical load. This distribution can lead to substantial cost savings. With two meters, usage is split, potentially placing each meter’s consumption into a lower tariff slab, which typically costs less per unit of electricity used. This can result in lower monthly electricity bills, as each meter is billed separately, often at a lower rate due to reduced individual consumption.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Installing multiple electricity meters in residential properties is legal, but it comes with a set of specific requirements that differ based on whether the property is residential or commercial. Depending on the location and type of your property, you may need to seek permissions from either a private or a state electricity provider.

A male electrician installing multiple meters on a switchboard.

The Process of Installing Additional Meters to Your Property

Before proceeding, it is advisable to consult with a qualified electrician. They can assess your current electrical setup and provide expert advice on how to efficiently implement the additional meters based on your specific requirements.

Greenway Electric is a well-established electrical company in New Jersey with years of experience catering to residential and commercial needs. Whether you need expert advice or a professional team to implement additional meters on your property, Greenway is ready to deliver high-quality work at convenient prices.

Assess Your Needs

Start by understanding your specific requirements for electricity distribution. An electrician can help clarify what’s possible given your current infrastructure and what adjustments might be necessary.

Evaluate Your Main Electricity Supply

Your electrician will check whether your existing supply, likely a three-phase setup, has spare capacity to accommodate additional meters. Not all phases need to be in use currently, which is common in mixed-use buildings.

Request A Meter Number

Once your capability to support additional meters is confirmed, the next step is to obtain a Meter Number for each new meter. This unique number is essential for identifying and managing the electricity supply points within the United States.

Installation of Additional Meters

With the meter numbers obtained, your electricity supplier can proceed with installing the new meters. They can connect these to any unused phases, allowing up to three tenants or units in your building to have separate meters.

An electrical technician working in a switchboard with fuses using a tablet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering the installation of additional electricity meters for your property, it’s important to first consult with your local electricity provider to understand all applicable regulations and obtain the necessary permissions. This will ensure that your installation is compliant and optimized for both functionality and cost-efficiency. If you are located in New Jersey and are in need of a second meter installation or any other electric work, Greenway Electric is your reliable partner.

Greenway Electric in New Jersey stands out as a premier provider of top-notch electrical services tailored to meet a wide range of needs. Whether you need residential or commercial electric services, Greenway Electric delivers exceptional workmanship and reliable solutions. Our team of highly skilled and certified electricians ensures that every job, from routine maintenance to complex installations, is executed with precision and care. Known for our commitment to customer satisfaction and safety, Greenway Electric is the go-to choice for anyone seeking dependable electrical services in New Jersey, ensuring that all projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

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