Electricity comparison for apartment complexes, condominiums, mixed-use buildings, and other multi-family residential developments.
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Electricity in multi-family properties operates differently than in single-family homes. The structure of electricity accounts depends on how the property is metered and how costs are allocated between the property owner and tenants.
Individual tenant-metered units. In individually metered buildings, each unit has its own electricity meter. Tenants set up electricity accounts in their own names with an electricity provider of their choice (where electricity choice is available). The property owner is not responsible for tenant electricity accounts. In this model, the property owner or manager typically maintains separate common area electricity accounts.
Master-metered properties. Some multi-family properties use a single master meter for the entire building, with the property owner holding the electricity account. Electricity costs may be included in rent as a flat allowance, billed to tenants through a utility billing or sub-metering program, or calculated using a Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) that allocates costs based on unit size, occupancy, or other factors. Master-metered properties typically use commercial electricity accounts, since the account holder is the property owner rather than an individual residential tenant.
Common area electricity. Regardless of how unit electricity is structured, most multi-family properties maintain common area electricity accounts for exterior and parking lot lighting, lobby, hallway, and stairwell lighting, elevators and building mechanical systems, pool, fitness center, and amenity space operations, and laundry facilities. Common area electricity accounts are held by the property owner or management company and are typically classified as commercial accounts.
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Multi-family properties involve overlapping electricity needs — tenant units, common areas, and sometimes commercial spaces — each with different account types, metering setups, and plan options. Getting the right fit matters for cost control and operational efficiency.
Metering Models
Individual tenant-metered units let residents choose their own provider, while master-metered properties hold a single commercial account with costs allocated through sub-metering or RUBS.
Common Area Electricity
Lobbies, hallways, parking areas, elevators, pools, fitness centers, and laundry facilities all draw power under a separate commercial account managed by the property owner.
Mixed-Use Developments
Properties with residential units, commercial spaces, and common areas may require separate electricity accounts for each — each subject to different rate structures and provider eligibility.
WattKarma helps multi-family property owners and managers identify commercial electricity providers serving the property's address, compare options for common area and master-meter accounts, understand plan structures before committing to enrollment, and coordinate electricity comparison across multiple properties. Whether you manage a single apartment complex or a portfolio of communities, we bring all available options into one view so you can make informed decisions without calling providers individually.
Enter your property's ZIP code to see available commercial rates at your location. Select the plan that fits your usage and budget. We handle the switch from your current provider — typically with no interruption to service.
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Want help understanding your options before you commit? A WattKarma representative can walk you through the available plans for your multi-family property — no pressure, no obligation.
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