Unit sub-meter providers (USMPs) deliver electricity metering and billing services to occupants of multi-unit buildings.
Master consumers (Owners, property managers or condominium corporations) contract a USMP to provide electricity metering and billing services to the residents in their building. Once the USMP is chosen, customers (unit residents) are individually billed and pay fees and service charges based on the agreement made between the master consumer and the USMP.
What the customer must know:
The decision to switch between electricity plans (Time-of-Use, Ultra-Low Overnight and Tiered prices) can only be made for the building as a whole by the master consumer, but effects the rates paid by the occupants.
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) regulates USMP services relating to electricity, however the board does not regulate USMP fees, such as account set up, or other services, such as natural gas or water, or providing audits and energy recommendations.
The OEB enforces rules and laws, including the Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2010 (ECPA). To take enforcement action when a USMP is found to have broken the rules as set out in the ECPA, the USMP’s license or the USM Code.
For more information about OEB polices and further details visit: https://www.oeb.ca/consumer-information-and-protection/oebs-consumer-protection-role/understanding-electricity-unit
