Managing Shared Utilities In Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Property Common Areas?

A building with shared common areas that need to be submetered

Shared utility services take place in almost all building types and can effect every tenant in that building.

A Shared Utilities Metering System Allows You To Fairly Allocate Consumption

Mixed-use properties can consist of multi-family, office, retail, recreational, hospitality and institutional buildings and spaces.  These buildings often share utilities such as electricity, water, gas and HVAC systems. Shared utility services can occur between buildings, tenant spaces and/or in common areas, like parkades, lobbies, elevators and restrooms.

Main Benefits Of A Shared Utility Metering System For Multi-Use Properties:

The Challenge:

The allocations and reimbursement of utility costs have historically been done using square footage calculations or other fixed methods. These methods are often inaccurate, outdated and unfair for tenants. With the increasing costs of utilities, it has become essential for new and existing properties to properly isolate and allocate shared utility use. Doing so also ensures property developers and managers avoid any immediate or future legal action related to unfair utility billing.

Advanced metering equipment and energy reporting software are cost effective tools for isolating and allocating shared utility use. QMC has designed and deployed numerous Shared Utility Metering Systems across Canada throughout our 30 years in business.

The Solution And Result:

The key to a successful Shared Utility Metering system deployment is the initial site audit, conducted by QMC, the property management team and the property’s preferred contractors and/or engineers. The electricity, water, gas and central plant distribution is mapped to ensure the correct meter locations are identified and the meter sizes specified. Existing utility meters are identified and integrated into the new system. New metering is added where needed and all meters are commissioned to ensure manufacturer acceptance and regulatory compliance. Lastly, all meters are automated so data can be collected and analyzed on a web-based software.

By deploying a Shared Utility Metering System with QMC, multi-use properties are able to fairly allocate energy use amongst stakeholders and avoid costly disputes and legal actions. Learn more about wireless submetering for mixed-use property’s and our Truety solution.

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Learn What Makes QMC One of North America's Leading Metering Experts.

Contact us for a consultation on your new or retrofit project today.

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