Any electricians? (Or anyone else)

So…

I live in building that is metered from a single source (insane, yes I know). There are 9 flats in total, and judging by the communal washing machine usage (2.5h, 60c wash for some socks), some of the other occupants are irresponsible and incredibly poor human beings (running up huge bills using electric heaters). The landlord doesn’t really care because it’s not him that’s paying, but I was wondering, is there some way I can meter my own usage and doesn’t cost a fortune? I understand getting like 8 flats hooked up to the mains would be pricey, and the landlord is one of those pleasant outwardly but ruthless types. Moving out is one solution, but I like it here, but the bills over winter were outrageous. Any advice?

Cheers,

FM

That just sounds insane to me! I’ve never been in a HMO that isn’t separately metered. Assuming each flat has its own fuse board it’s easy enough to do, meters are readily available but by the sounds of it your landlord probably isn’t going to stump up for the work

Make the most of it and start growing weed

Energy meter, they clamp onto the incoming wires, assuming you can find these and you get a separate remote readout, you’ll need batteries, same type folk use to look at energy use, worth a try.

Check your energy agreement, is it just split 9 ways? does not encourage efficiency.

There’s no point unless you can get the other 8 (or at least a majority) to agree to split based on true usage. And it written in an agreement.  Good luck with that, because it’s likely that several get the benefit of others paying more – unless it really is 1 person with a pot growing business or doing hot Bikram yoga classes 24/7.

Yep, I thought so.

There’s single fuse box for the main house, not sure about the others. Often trips in winter b/c people are rinsing the lecky heaters despite it being prohibited contractually.

The lad in the basement told me he stopped paying the landlord for the bills years ago, but doens’t leave, hence goes to town on the washing machine and god knows what else.

I’d get a meter installed from a regulated installer at your own Consumer Unit (fusebboard) so it is sealed and calibrated. If you buy one yourself and have it installed it, I doubt anyone would trust it.

Obviously this would only demonstrate the electricity that you’re using and not everyone else.

Electricity Meter Installation

This is a potential Building Network Operator type solution – but you’d have to get your landlord to lead on it I think.

Just remember, we should be thankful for landlords and the housing they are providing. Imagine how much more money you’d have if you didn’t have to spend it on expensive rents and electricity bills…. Youd probably only spend it on bikes.