Making Sense of Tenant Energy Use
Managing a rental property with only one electric meter is like sharing one pizza among a dozen people—you just know someone’s getting more than their fair share. Ideally, every rental unit should have its own electric sub-meter. But many older buildings still rely on a single communal meter.
This creates a messy situation. Landlords are left playing referee, either splitting the bill equally or charging a flat fee. Tenants often feel cheated:
- “Why am I paying the same when they run the AC all day?”
- “It’s not fair I’m footing the bill for their Christmas light extravaganza!”
And you know what happens next: tenants argue, landlords raise rents to cover skyrocketing bills, and everyone loses.
The Pricey Route: Utility-Installed Sub-Meters
Sure, power companies offer sub-metering solutions. These "suite meters" charge tenants based on their actual energy use—sounds perfect, right? They reduce disputes and even encourage energy-saving habits.
But here’s the catch: utility-installed sub-meters aren’t cheap. First, you’ve got hookup fees for running extra lines to the house. Then, there’s the connection fee for each meter installed. Multiply that by the number of units, and suddenly it feels like you’re funding the power company’s next holiday party.
WattPanel: A Smarter, More Affordable Solution
Enter Grus's WattPanel, the modern, budget-friendly way to get sub-metering done. This little gadget packs a big punch without draining your wallet.
Here’s how it works:
- Easy Install: The WattPanel fits right into your rental property’s electrical panel—no need for costly rewiring or extra meters.
- Powerful Monitoring: It tracks two mains (up to 200A each) and up to 16 individual circuits.
- Connected Convenience: The WattPanel syncs with your property’s WiFi and sends real-time energy data straight to your smartphone. With the Grus app, you can check energy usage and costs anytime, anywhere.
And it’s not just about now. WattPanel keeps detailed records of daily, weekly, and monthly energy usage. So if there’s ever a “my bill is too high” moment, you’ve got the receipts to prove otherwise.
Why WattPanel Works for Landlords
Think of WattPanel as your secret weapon against energy confusion:
- Fair Billing: Track exactly how much energy each tenant uses and bill them accordingly. No more splitting bills unfairly or guessing usage.
- Encourage Conservation: When tenants see their energy use (and costs), they’re less likely to leave the heater blasting with the windows open.
- Accurate Data: While WattPanel isn’t revenue-grade, its readings are accurate within 2%. That’s pretty darn close for a fraction of the cost of utility-installed meters.
Manage Multiple Properties? WattPanel’s Got You Covered
Got more than one rental unit? Grus offers a Landlord Dashboard for you. From one simple interface, you can:
- View energy usage for all your WattPanels.
- Track usage trends over time.
- Set notifications for unusual energy spikes.
Whether you manage a duplex or a dozen apartments, WattPanel makes keeping tabs on energy use as easy as scrolling through TikTok (but way more productive).
Tailored for Real Rental Units
Did you know that most residential rental units in the U.S. have 100A to 200A electrical panels? Larger multi-family buildings or properties with high-powered equipment might even go up to 300A.
That’s why Grus WattPanel has options for both 200A and 300A panels. Whether you’re managing a cozy duplex or a larger rental property, WattPanel can handle the job without breaking a sweat.
This versatility ensures landlords don’t have to worry about compatibility. With WattPanel, you’re covered, no matter the size of your property.
The Best Sub-Metering Solution for Rental Units
Let’s face it: sharing one meter among multiple rental units is a recipe for drama. Utility-installed sub-meters are expensive, but the Grus WattPanel offers an affordable, accurate, and easy-to-install alternative. It gives you the insights you need to fairly divide energy costs, settle disputes, and encourage tenants to use energy responsibly.
Say goodbye to the headaches of single-meter billing. Say hello to smarter, simpler energy management with WattPanel.
