The sub-meter industry has been collaborating with landlords to put a system in place where tenants are charged separately for electricity. Landlords have allowed sub-meter companies to install sub-meters in rental units not only in new buildings but also for older buildings with sitting tenants.
Sub-meter companies are making huge profits from the collaboration. For example, according to a report in the CNW, the company Wyse Meter Solutions has made tremendous profits:
Wyse made the 2016 PROFIT 500 list with five-year revenue growth of 2,604%.
http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/wyse-meter-solutions-inc-ranks-as-29th-fastest-growing-company-in-canada-593534801.html
Legislation by the Government of Ontario allows landlords to install sub-meter in rental units in existing and new buildings. The result is that lease conditions are changing related to electricity use. Landlords can require tenants pay for electricity separately from their rental cost based on the new rental contract. Refer to the Government of Ontario link for clarification on how you may be affected by the new legislation:
Tenants Guide to Suite Meters
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page9087.aspx
Another section of the regulation provides clarification about tenant consent:
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page9050.aspx
Quote:
If a landlord chooses to install a suite meter, tenants will have the
choice of paying for their electricity consumption separately from
rent. If electricity is currently included in a tenant’s rent, landlords
must lower the rent if a tenant chooses to pay for their own electricity
using a suite meter.
CAUTION – Read your lease carefully and make sure you do NOT sign any contract that states you will pay separately for electricity when renewing your lease. You do not have to pay for electricity because this cost is included in your lease. Refer to this this link below:
Appendix A – Your landlord wants you to start paying for electricity – Be Careful!
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-18103.pdf
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NOTE:
For more details you can check our earlier posts on the subject of Sub-Meter at these links:
Smart Sub-meters . . . Getting It Right!
https://eastyorktenantsgroup.com/2009/09/08/sub-meters-getting-it-right/
SMART SUB-METERS . . .
https://eastyorktenantsgroup.com/2009/08/29/smart-sub-meters/
East York Tenants Group 
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