In order to ease stress for customers struggling with electricity bill payments during the cold winter months, Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. voluntarily complies with the Ontario Energy Board’s recommended winter disconnection ban to support our customers.
As a submetering provider, we are committed to helping our customers manage their bill payments, conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and generate electricity and cost savings.
We would like to remind our customers that we offer flexible payment arrangements, are available to provide resources, and help customers connect with financial assistance programs in their communities. To speak to a representative, please reach out to the Wyse Call Centre at 1.844.411.0663.
Public Notice for BC Customers Link
Concord, Ontario, December 31, 2021 – Wyse Meter Solutions (“Wyse”) has been named the winner of the 2021 Community Service Award of Excellence (Suppliers) by the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (”FRPO”), presented virtually at the 21st annual MAC Awards on December 3.
“Wyse has rooted its business in supporting communities across this country. Being honoured for that commitment is an incredible tribute to the passion our team has for the places where we live and work,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
Wyse continues to strengthen its community connections through partnerships with some of Canada’s most progressive grassroots organizations, including Interval House, Blue Door Support Services, Youth Mental Health Canada and The Lighthouse Orillia.
Additionally, the award celebrated the company’s continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing emphasis on sustainable community development.
For more information: sales@wysemeter.com
Wyse has been recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute of Canada for the third year in a row.
The Institute is a global authority on high-performance workplaces awarding Great Place to Work® certifications based on direct feedback from employees during extensive, anonymous surveys.
“Our people have kept Wyse at the leading edge of our industry,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Wyse’s Chief Executive Officer. “Creating an environment where our team can thrive has always been a priority for us. We’re grateful to be recognized for it.”
Nancy Fonseca, the Senior Vice President of Great Place to Work Canada, says that great workplaces often have employees who trust their leaders, take pride in their job, innovation, agility, resilience and efficiency,” she said.
At Wyse, we’re pioneering products and services that make residential water and energy use more sustainable and cost-effective. Drop us a line at sales@wysemeter.com to find out how we can work together.
Concord, Ontario, May 4, 2021 – This year, Wyse took home three top prizes at the Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations’ Awards: 2021 Supplier Council Member of The Year, 2021 Product or Service of the Year, and the 2018-2020 Product or Service of the Year.
Wyse won the latter two awards for its Renovation Water Submetering Solution, which takes advantage of suite renovations in high-rise multi-residential rental buildings and enables Wyse experts to install meters when the walls are open. It was recognized for its innovative uses of “ground-breaking technology.”
“The judges were impressed with Wyse’s full cycle approach, ensuring the benefits of their actions are experienced by all stakeholders including not only the Wyse corporation, but also residents, rental housing providers, their employees, and the environment.
Wyse CEO Peter R.J. Mills dedicated the award to the team and thanked clients across Canada for their support and trust.
For more information:
sales@wysemeter.com
Concord, Ontario, April 13, 2021 – Operations leader Michael Brillinger has joined Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) as Vice President, Operations, effective April 12, 2021. He will continue to define and implement the execution strategy and processes for Wyse, while overseeing day-to-day company operations.
“Michael is a top talent who packs a wealth of experience earned by working his way up through one of the world’s great multinationals. He will bolster our team with a strategic mind and a spirit of collaboration that will make us stronger as a company,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
Mr. Brillinger is an accomplished and financially astute executive with extensive experience in supply chain excellence, marketing and strategic development, project management, and back-office process improvement. He boasts a proven track record of success in identifying market opportunities, pushing alignment between commercial and supply chain programs, and driving organizational change in a highly competitive market.
Since 2008, he served at Air Liquide in senior roles involving industrial operations, strategy, product management, and marketing, in locations around the world, including Singapore, China, South Korea, and Canada. Most recently, he was Special Project Manager-Healthcare Operations with VitalAire Canada, where he oversaw the asset management teams and national medical device service centre. Prior to Air Liquide, he had served in various roles within Siemens, Heinz and Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance.
“Wyse has an amazing opportunity to play an increasingly large role in providing innovative and customer-focused solutions on addressing energy usage within the built environment; an area poised for great change and value creation. With the team in place and an exciting business model, I am thrilled to join the highly-skilled team and address the energy management issues our valued clients face,” said Michael Brillinger, Vice President, Operations of Wyse.
He earned an MBA in International Business & Marketing from McGill University and a Bachelor in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as an International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) Certified Green Belt and a Project Management Institute Project Management Professional Designation.
For more information:
media@wysemeter.com
Concord, Ontario, March 2, 2021 – Visionary IT executive Drago Farsang has joined Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) as Chief Information Officer, effective March 1, 2021. He will lead the direction, development, and implementation of digital technology strategies in support of the company’s mission.
“At every stop in his career, Drago has been a standout leader. We were impressed by his track record of success in driving high-impact projects, and we are excited to see how his expertise can keep our company on the cutting edge and support our clients in being future-ready,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
Mr. Farsang boasts an outstanding history championing innovative strategies in the automotive, retail, and financial sectors. He is recognized as an empowering project and program trailblazer able to ensure companies grow, evolve, and transform in accordance with the complex technical changes governing their markets.
Prior to Wyse, he was Vice President, Information Technology for Pfaff Automotive Partners, where he led IT strategy towards transforming and improving the company’s technology infrastructure. At Pfaff, he launched in-house middleware, successfully created the company’s first three-year roadmap, and pushed a series of organizational improvements which increased the IT group’s project capacity by 300% without changing headcount.
“I am excited to join such a future thinking organization and lead the digitalization of smart submetering and utility expense management solutions,” said Drago Farsang, Chief Information Officer of Wyse.
Mr. Farsang has also served in prominent roles with The Source, Blast Radius, SapientNitro, and Cactus Commerce. He earned a Master of Science, Executive Master’s in Technology Management degree from the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as Architectural Technician and Electronic Technician certificates from George Brown College and Georgian College, respectively.
For more information:
media@wysemeter.com
Concord, Ontario, February 2, 2021 – Experienced business strategist Vinicius Vilhena has joined Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) as Director, Business Development, effective February 1, 2021. He will help grow Wyse through new product and service offerings that drive value for developers, owners, property managers and residents.
“Vinicius is the type of agile executive whose keen eye for smart technology tied to strong economics will help our clients find sustainability and success in areas they never considered. He will be a key member of our management team as we look to drive our business in new directions,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
With a diverse background (including management consulting, corporate development, and investment banking roles), Mr. Vilhena is a leader who boasts extensive experience in finance and energy, as well as a proven ability to identify, analyze, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Prior to Wyse, he worked at BMO Capital Markets in the Power, Utilities and Infrastructure group, where he focused on M&A mandates, supporting due diligence efforts and leading financial modeling and analysis.
“I am excited to join such an entrepreneurial team at Wyse. We have several opportunities ahead of us and I am confident we are well positioned to expand our growth while providing new creative products and solutions to our clients,” said Vinicius Vilhena, Director, Business Development of Wyse.
Mr. Vilhena has also served in prominent roles with Omega Energia in São Paulo, Brazil, as M&A & Funding Manager, as well as in consultancy roles with Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA) and an MBA with distinction from the University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management.
For more information:
media@wysemeter.com
Concord, Ontario, December 4, 2020 – Wyse Meter Solutions (“Wyse”) has been named the winner of the 2020 Community Service Award of Excellence (Suppliers) by the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (”FRPO”), presented virtually at the 20th annual MAC Awards on December 3.
“It’s gratifying to be part of an industry that has truly risen to the occasion during a difficult time,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
Strategically partnering with community organizations has allowed Wyse to support some of Canada’s most progressive grassroots programming, including organizations like Interval House, Blue Door Shelters and The Lighthouse Orillia.
The award also recognized Wyse’s industry-leading response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wyse expanded its Helping Homes Program to further support partner organizations providing safe, reliable, and supportive housing, meals, PPE and services to individuals and families in need.
Wyse congratulates its clients and friends on their nominations and wins.
For more information: media@wysemeter.com
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Concord, Ontario, December 2, 2020 - This month, Wyse joined the QUARTER MILLION CLUB marking the confirmation of our 250,000th meter point under contract from coast to coast.
We take pride in knowing that our growth as a company continues to push Canada toward a more sustainable future – one where individuals can have a daily and direct impact on the world around them.
But milestones like the QUARTER MILLION CLUB are about more than numbers; they are reminders to celebrate the energy of our team, the trust of our partners, the commitment of residents, and the strength of our communities.
To all, we say ‘THANK YOU’ for getting us to where we are – and embracing where we are going.
For more information: sales@wysemeter.com
Mississauga, Ontario, November 17, 2020 – Rising industry executive Louie Papanicolopoulos has joined Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, effective November 16, 2020. He will lead Wyse’s sales and marketing efforts by supporting developers, owners, and property managers across Canada.
“We are thrilled to welcome Louie – a collaborative executive who will lead our next phase of growth with expertise, clarity and creativity,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “He is exactly the type of leader growing companies crave.”
“Louie will be a powerful advocate for developers, owners, and their residents, an executive who understands their needs and delivers the tools for their success,” said Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
Mr. Papanicolopoulos boasts extensive management experience in sales, service and consumer finance, as well as a proven ability to build new business lines in competitive markets.
Prior to Wyse, he served as Director, UEI Financial, Dealer Programs and Property Management Division of Reliance Home Comfort where he grew the company’s rental and financial programs by maintaining existing and cultivating new relationships with dealers, distributors, and manufacturers.
“I am looking forward to joining such a collaborative team who are focused on delivering client centric solutions to an industry that is continually evolving,” said Louie Papanicolopoulos, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Wyse. “The team at Wyse has done a phenomenal job of becoming valued, strategic partners with their customers and I am looking forward to building upon the successes that have made them one of Canada’s fastest growing companies.”
Mr. Papanicolopoulos’ experience also includes a prominent role as National Director, Sales for KYOCERA Document Solutions Canada; ascending roles at Canon Canada culminating in Manager, Channel Sales; and as a Major Account Executive with IKON Office Solutions.
He earned an honours bachelor’s degree in political science and business administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.
For more information:
sales@wysemeter.com
Mississauga, Ontario, October 20, 2020 – Wyse has been named Supplier of the Year at the 2020 Innovation & Excellence Awards, presented by the Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia (IPOANS).
This Supplier of the Year Award recognizes an IPOANS supplier member for their collaboration and support in delivering members service excellence, enhanced value, and increased savings – all while consistently going above and beyond in serving members.
“We could not be prouder than we are today being honoured by the IPOANS team with whom we have worked so closely over the last several years,” said Peter Mills, Co-CEO, Wyse. “This award is a testament to the client relationships we have forged and to the communities we have supported – together.”
In celebration of the award, Wyse made a financial donated through its Helping Homes program to Shelter Nova Scotia.
“Wyse is committed to the residents of the communities in which we live, work, and operate,” said Ian Stewart, Co-CEO, Wyse. “What better way to celebrate an award recognizing teamwork than to support a grassroots organization making a difference in people’s lives every single day.”
Established in 1978, The Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia (IPOANS) is the collective voice representing residential investment property owners. When IPOANS speaks on industry issues industry stakeholders listen. IPOANS primary focus is providing members with Advocacy, Education, Membership Services programs.
Mississauga, Ontario, October 15, 2020 – Canadian Business today ranked Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) No. 64 on the 32nd annual Growth List, the definitive ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies.
“As a company, we take pride in knowing that the growth being celebrated here is pushing Canada toward a more sustainable future – one where individuals can have a daily and direct impact on the world around them,” says Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
“We are thrilled about this honour, as our growth signals an energy and excitement in our partners and their residents for the path we have charted as a company,” says Peter R.J. Mills, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “We know our team’s underlying strengths – hard work, innovation, integrity – will help us continue to grow and exceed expectations.”
“The companies on the 2020 Growth List are really exceptional. Their stories are a master-class in how to survive when the economy throws a curveball. Despite turbulence, the 2020 Growth List companies showed resilience, spirit and, most importantly, empathy and strong leadership,” says Susan Grimbly, Growth List Editor. “As we celebrate over 30 years of the Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies program, it’s encouraging to see that the heart of Canada’s entrepreneurial community beats strong, even in tough times.”
Growth List winners are profiled in a special print issue of Canadian Business published with Maclean’s magazine and online at CanadianBusiness.com and GrowthList.ca.
Mississauga, Ontario, September 28, 2020 – Billing and client service expert Ashley Evans has joined Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) as Director, Client Services, effective September 28, 2020. She will serve as a further link to developers, owners and their property teams to help them maximize Wyse’s utility billing services and optimize their own utility performance.
“Ashley is a knowledgeable, detail-oriented industry leader who brings the professional and personal skills necessary to create great relationships with clients,” said Peter R.J. Mills. “From the back office to the front lines, she will fit in seamlessly with our energetic, cohesive team and work closely with our VP of Billing and Customer Service.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Ashley to Wyse,” said Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “As our business continues to expand, adding a pro like Ashley to the team further boosts our focus on staying ahead of the curve for our partners and their residents.”
Ms. Evans boasts seven years of billing and client service experience in the submetering industry, as well as an additional seven years in customer care and product implementation for the telecom industry.
In her previous roles, Ms. Evans was responsible for testing, correcting and adjusting enterprise billing systems to ensure regulatory compliance. She handled numerous resident-facing duties, including the development of customer-focused policies and procedures.
“I’m excited to be part of a team that has such an outstanding reputation and track record in the industry,” said Ashley Evans, Director, Client Services of Wyse.
Ms. Evans holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lakehead University.
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Mississauga, Ontario, September 25, 2020 – Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) is pleased to announce it placed No. 315 on the 2020 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
“As a proud Canadian company, we are excited, once again, to find ourselves included among this list of Canadian innovators who represent the diverse aspects of what makes this country a global business leader,” says Peter R.J. Mills, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
“Our growth is a direct result of the energy and expertise of our team, the trust and fidelity of our partners, and our commitments to the communities in which we work and live in,” says Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “Honours like these are a wonderful validation of those efforts and relationships.”
Launched in 2019, the Canada’s Top Growing Companies editorial ranking aims to celebrate entrepreneurial achievement in Canada by identifying and amplifying the success of growth-minded, independent businesses in Canada. It is a voluntary program; companies had to complete an in-depth application process in order to qualify. In total, 400 companies earned a spot on this year’s ranking.
The full list of 2020 winners, and accompanying editorial coverage, is published in the October issue of Report on Business magazine—out now—and online at tgam.ca/TopGrowing.
“The stories of Canada’s Top Growing Companies are worth telling at any time, but are especially relevant in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic,” says James Cowan, Editor of Report on Business magazine. “As businesses work to rebuild the economy, their resilience and innovation make for essential reading.”
“Any business leader seeking inspiration should look no further than the 400 businesses on this year’s Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies,” says Phillip Crawley, Publisher and CEO of The Globe and Mail. “Their growth helps to make Canada a better place, and we are proud to bring their stories to our readers.”
“Wyse is thrilled to be named again to this distinguished list that celebrates the trust, pride and camaraderie we have worked so hard to cultivate within our culture. Team wins are always the best wins,” said Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
“Knowing this ranking is not based simply on cold numbers, but truly echoes the thoughts and feelings of our team members makes it even more special. It is a bold statement on our culture and lets our current and potential customers know they are partnering with committed individuals within an engaged company,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse.
About Great Place to Work®:
Great Place to Work® (www.greatplacetowork.ca) is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, Great Place to Work® recognizes the Best Workplaces™ across the world in a series of national lists including those published by Fortune magazine (USA) and The Globe & Mail (Canada). Great Place to Work® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. For more information on Great Place to Work®, visit its website at www.greatplacetowork.ca.
Wyse Meter Solutions will continue to actively assist residents experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic even as Canada emerges from isolation and more businesses resume normal operations.
Wyse provides information on numerous government support programs for residents, including:
The Wyse Arrears Management Program allows the Wyse billing team to always work with individual customers to provide flexible arrears management programs to suit their circumstances.
Wyse always considers disconnection as a last resort, preferring instead to tailor a payment plan that fits a resident’s particular situation.
On March 14, 2020, Wyse was the first unit submeter provider to suspend disconnections and waive late fees at the start of the pandemic. Wyse’s action mirrored the Ontario Energy Board’s emergency order on March 19, 2020, that electricity distributors extend the winter ban on electricity disconnections for non-payment for residential customers.
All temporary suspensions of disconnections and late fees expire July 31, 2020. Wyse customers unable to pay their bill are encouraged to call the Wyse helpline at 1.844.411.0663.
More information on Wyse’s customer support is available on our dedicated Covid-19 response landing page here.
Wyse Meter Solutions (" Wyse") is proud to contribute $10,000 through its Helping Homes program to support Interval House, as part of a special presentation organized by the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO). The virtual event raised more than $50,000 for Canada's first centre for abused women and children.
"Interval House has responded to these trying times with creativity, compassion and clarity of vision. We are a long-time partner of theirs and proudly join FRPO in continuing to help to put an end to intimate partner violence," said Peter R.J. Mills, Co-CEO, Wyse.
"From the start, we considered support for the community as key to our pandemic response. Interval House has redefined what it means to be essential by providing much-needed emergency shelter and ongoing services," said Ian Stewart, Co-CEO, Wyse.
Since 2007, FRPO and its members have raised more than $500,000 for Interval House through several initiatives, including an annual charity golf tournament.
This year, Rogers Communications and Yardi Canada each contributed $10,000 to the special presentation.
To learn more about Interval House and the essential services they provide, please visit https://www.intervalhouse.ca/.
UPDATED – MISSISSAUGA, June 29, 2020 – To support its valued customers as they navigate the challenges of the evolving COVID-19 situation, Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. is temporarily suspending disconnections and late penalties.
With many Canadians possibly needing to self-isolate or work from home, Wyse understands the importance of uninterrupted utility service. Wyse will reassess this temporary suspension on July 31, 2020.
Wyse reminds its customers that it offers flexible payment arrangements and is ready to assist them.
For more information:
Wyse Meter Solutions Inc.
Customer Service
1.844.411.0663
MISSISSAUGA, June 26, 2020 – Wyse has been named the 2020 Suppliers Council Member of the Year by the Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations (CFAA) during the national organization’s annual Rental Housing Awards.
“This is quite an honour. Thanks to CFAA, our valued partners, and our outstanding Wyse team, whose tenacity and creativity drive us forward,” said Ian Stewart, Wyse Co-CEO.
“Our team persevered through every obstacle, every challenge of the last few months and maintained unprecedented effort and commitment to our partners. This award celebrates them,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Wyse Co-CEO.
Wyse won for its triple-bottom line initiative, a series of next-gen solutions to help property owners reach net carbon zero by 2025. Driven equally by conservation-conscious consumers, budget-focused property managers, and all parties who want to do what is best for the planet, the effort incorporates advances in hardware, software and data analytics to advance a sustainable agenda.
The CFAA judging panel cited the long-term nature of Wyse’ initiative, and how it sought to improve standards of practice in the industry and reduce the environmental impacts of rental housing by working with partners for years to come, explained Jon Dickie, CFAA President
Included among the noted initiatives were Wyse’s commitments to wireless thermal metering, EV charging station metering and sustainability reporting.
In its fifth year, the CFAA Rental Housing Awards celebrate excellence and notable achievements of rental housing providers and rental housing suppliers across Canada. Winners and finalists were recognized via a special virtual awards presentation held on June 25, 2020.
Founded in 1995, CFAA represents the owners and managers of close to one million residential rental suites in Canada, through 11 associations across Canada and direct landlord memberships.
The Government of Ontario has introduced a COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8¢/kWh for all time-of-use (TOU) electricity customers, to support Ontarians as we restart the economy.
Households, farms and small businesses who pay time-of-use electricity rates will be charged this fixed rate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, starting June 1, 2020.
This rate will be automatically reflected on TOU customers’ electricity bills for all three TOU periods, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is intended to be in place until October 31, 2020.
For more information:
Wyse Meter Solutions Inc.
Customer Service
1.844.411.0663
MISSISSAUGA, April 16, 2020 — Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (”Wyse”) has been recognized among The Best Workplaces™ in Canada. Ranked 19th for companies under 100 employees, this milestone comes at a time when the continued dedication and attention to detail by Wyse employees are vital to ensuring customers are well supported.
“We have always credited our success as a company to the extraordinary people who drive our culture – who knew how powerful that combination could be when needed most,” said Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “This honour is a tribute to the incredible character of those I get to partner with every day.”
“In recent weeks, we have been reminded how resilient we are as a team,” said Peter R.J. Mills, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “The way we’ve responded to these times is a testament to the level of professionalism Wyse strives for and continues to uphold despite the rapidly changing environment.”
The Best Workplaces™ in Canada list is compiled annually by the Great Places to Work® Institute. The competition process is based on two criteria: two-thirds of the total score comes from confidential employee survey results; one-third from an in-depth review of the organization’s culture. Together, they provide crucial data relative to five trust-building dimensions: credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.
This year’s list received over 400 registrations and over 80,000 employees participated in the 2020 Best Workplaces™ in Canada survey. A Special National Report will appear on April 17, 2020, in The Globe and Mail.
Canadian residents are driving the popularity of electric vehicles (EV) to new heights. But accelerating EV sales also means increased pressure on building owners and landlords to provide reliable, convenient EV charging stations where residents want to charge up.
If you have been waiting to add these popular, sustainable features, now is the time to partner with Wyse.
Know what’s available
We can help you understand regulations within your province and/or municipality, as well as navigate federal government incentives, including the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP).
ZEVIP Overview:
Visit the ZEVIP website here.
Industry leader
Wyse is the leader in providing alternative EV charger solutions to solve the infrastructure challenges you face.
Seamless service
We supply and install EV chargers, along with all the electrical infrastructure, if needed, within new construction and retrofits using cutting-edge equipment sourced from leading Canadian manufacturers. Once operational, we make monitoring, maintenance and billing simple. Contact Wyse today to provide a free consultation about incentives and equipment options in your location.
Get it touch
sales@wysemeter.com
Great customers, great results! We’re so proud of the fact our customers saved more than 108,000,000 kWh in 2019, equal to 1,262,000 trees grown for ten years. We offer the best submetering services because our staff of industry leaders operates as one team with a singular focus on customer success.
Here are the achievements that defined our year:
We look forward to driving greater results for you in 2020.
On Nov. 1, 2019, Ontario electricity customers saw an increase to the commodity charges on their bills. (Electricity bills consist of three main components: commodity charges, delivery charges and regulatory charges.)
In light of that increase, there are a few things you need to know about how these significant changes will impact you.
New Winter Tiered RPP prices (commodity charges):
New Winter Time-of-Use (TOU) prices (commodity charges), including hours to which those prices apply:
Increased Rebate
Along with the commodity rate changes, the government has created a 31.8% Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) that replaces the current 8% Ontario Rebate for Electricity Consumers. That new rebate will be applied to a customer’s total bill, pre-HST. With the increase in commodity prices combined with the delivery, regulatory and OER rebate customers can expect an average increase of 1.8% on their total monthly electricity bill.
Wyse bill-payers will automatically receive the Ontario Electricity Rebate.
For more information on rates visit the Ontario Energy Board’s website at www.oeb.ca
Mississauga, Ontario, September 27, 2019 – Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) is pleased to announce it placed No. 164 on the inaugural Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
“As a company that prides itself on being an industry leader, we are thrilled to be named among this distinguished group who each play a part in showcasing Canada as a global hub for innovation,” says Peter Mills, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “We are constantly looking for ways to better serve our customers, without whom our tremendous growth would not be possible.”
“This honour is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team,” says Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “Their contributions have made us the company we are today – and will help us grow into the company we want to be tomorrow.”
Launched in 2019, the Canada’s Top Growing Companies ranking program aims to celebrate entrepreneurial achievement in Canada by identifying and amplifying the success of growth-minded, independent businesses in Canada. It is a voluntary program; companies had to complete an in-depth application process in order to qualify. In total, 400 companies made the ranking this year. The full list of 2019 winners, and accompanying editorial coverage, is published in the October issue of Report on Business magazine—out now—and online at tgam.ca/TopGrowing.
“We created the Canada’s Top Growing Companies program because we believe there is much Report on Business readers can learn from the successes of the country’s best entrepreneurs,” says Derek DeCloet, Editor of Report on Business and Executive Editor at The Globe and Mail. “We’re excited to be telling their stories.”
“The 400 companies on the inaugural Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies ranking demonstrate ambition, innovation and tremendous business acumen,” says Phillip Crawley, Publisher and CEO of The Globe and Mail. “Their contributions to the economy help to make Canada a better place, and warrant commendation.”
About The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail is Canada’s foremost news media company, leading the national discussion and causing policy change through brave and independent journalism since 1844. With our award-winning coverage of business, politics and national affairs, The Globe and Mail newspaper reaches 6.6 million readers every week in our print or digital formats, and Report on Business magazine reaches 1.8 million readers in print and digital every issue. Our investment in innovative data science means that as the world continues to change, so does The Globe. The Globe and Mail is owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family.
About Wyse Meter Solutions Inc.
Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. provides turnkey submetering and utility expense management services to building owners, developers and property managers across Canada. Headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario, Wyse is licensed and regulated by the Ontario Energy Board, delivering its services in seven provinces. Wyse is unique in its ability to provide clients with financial and utility consumption transparency, as well as accountability. Through an exclusive partnership with Conservice, the largest submetering and utility management company in North America, Wyse is able to offer its customers a powerful program known as Synergy, providing owners and managers with a 360-degree comprehensive view of the entire utility spend within a building or portfolio of buildings. Synergy is already in use across 2.5 million units in North America, including eight of the top ten owners and managers of multi-family real estate. For more information on Wyse, visit its website at www.wysemeter.com.
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Mississauga, Ontario, September 12, 2019 – Canadian Business and Maclean’s today ranked Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) No. 31 on the annual Growth 500, the definitive ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies. Produced by Canada’s premier business and current affairs media brands, the Growth 500 ranks Canadian businesses on five-year revenue growth. Growth 500 winners are profiled in a special print issue of Canadian Business published with Maclean’s magazine and online at CanadianBusiness.com and Growth500.ca.
“As a company whose velocity has been fueled by innovation, the fact we rank among such an elite collection of vibrant organizations only reinforces the core values that have made us who we are today,” says Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “This is a tribute to the hard work and creativity of those who comprise Wyse.”
“We are thrilled to have found a place on this important list year after year,” says Peter R.J. Mills, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “Our growth has been an exciting by-product stemming from our ability to find custom solutions in a personalized, sustainable way. For us, growth is not about making a momentary blip, but about making a lasting difference for our clients and the environment.”
“The companies on the 2019 Growth 500 are truly remarkable. Demonstrating foresight, innovation and smart management, their stories serve as a primer for how to build a successful entrepreneurial business today,” says Beth Fraser, Growth 500 program manager. “As we celebrate over 30 years of the Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies program, it’s encouraging to see that entrepreneurship is healthier than ever in this country.”
About the Growth 500
For over 30 years, the Growth 500 has been Canada’s most respectable and influential ranking of entrepreneurial achievement. Ranking Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies by five-year revenue growth, the Growth 500 profiles the country’s most successful growing businesses. The Growth 500 is produced by Canadian Business. Winners are profiled in a special Growth 500 print issue of Canadian Business (packaged with the October issue of Maclean’s magazine) and online at Growth500.ca and CanadianBusiness.com. For more information on the ranking, visit Growth500.ca.
About Canadian Business
Founded in 1928, Canadian Business is the longest-serving and most-trusted business publication in the country. It is the country's premier media brand for executives and senior business leaders. It fuels the success of Canada's business elite with a focus on the things that matter most: leadership, innovation, business strategy and management tactics. Learn more at CanadianBusiness.com.
About Wyse Meter Solutions Inc.
Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. provides turnkey submetering and utility expense management services to building owners, developers and property managers across Canada. Headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario, Wyse is licensed and regulated by the Ontario Energy Board, delivering its services in seven provinces. Wyse is unique in its ability to provide clients with financial and utility consumption transparency, as well as accountability. Through an exclusive partnership with Conservice, the largest submetering and utility management company in North America, Wyse is able to offer its customers a powerful program known as Synergy, providing owners and managers with a 360-degree comprehensive view of the entire utility spend within a building or portfolio of buildings. Synergy is already in use across 2.5 million units in North America, including eight of the top ten owners and managers of multi-family real estate.
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Mississauga, Ontario, August 7, 2019 – Wyse is proud to announce that we have been certified as a Great Place to Work® after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work® Institute Canada. This certification is based on direct feedback from employees, provided as part of an extensive and anonymous survey about the workplace experience.
“We are honoured to have Wyse's unique culture in the Great Place to Work® spotlight,” said Peter Mills, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “As an organization, we swing for the fences in a way that respects our values. It means we wholly trust each other, and our clients know this, and it's fueling our tremendous growth and success.”
“It’s gratifying to be part of a cohesive team like this,” said Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “From day one, we’ve encouraged every employee to have a voice, which has created a real spark at Wyse. We still feel like a young company, driven to find superior ways of solving our clients’ utility challenges.”
About Great Place to Work®:
Great Place to Work® (www.greatplacetowork.ca) is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, Great Place to Work® recognizes the Best Workplaces™ across the world in a series of national lists including those published by Fortune magazine (USA) and The Globe & Mail (Canada). Great Place to Work® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures.
About Wyse Meter Solutions Inc.:
Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. provides turnkey submetering and utility expense management services to building owners, developers and property managers across Canada. Headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario, Wyse is licensed and regulated by the Ontario Energy Board, delivering its services in seven provinces. Wyse is unique in its ability to provide clients with financial and utility consumption transparency, as well as accountability. Through an exclusive partnership with Conservice, the largest submetering and utility management company in North America, Wyse is able to offer its customers a powerful program known as Synergy, providing owners and managers with a 360-degree comprehensive view of the entire utility spend within a building or portfolio of buildings. Synergy is already in use across 2.5 million units in North America, including eight of the top ten owners and managers of multi-family real estate.
The due date of July 1, 2019, has come and gone for Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings. If it was a hassle for you, or you missed the deadline, we can help you get on track by managing it for you ahead of the next due date, July 1, 2020.
New reporting regulations
New reporting regulations for Ontario’s large buildings have come into force. These requirements state that:
Rest assured, our Synergy utility expense management can provide expert support.
Collecting
Reporting
Verifying
Regulatory advising
Let’s get going on your mandatory compliance now to ensure you are well-positioned to meet the deadline of July 1, 2020.
The automotive industry is taking an important step toward sustainability, with a shift in focus toward manufacturing Electric Vehicles (EVs). Most major automotive companies are now manufacturing at least one if not multiple electrically powered models and share a long-term goal of phasing out traditional gas-guzzling alternatives. While this movement will have a positive impact on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and crude oil consumption, with it comes a new set of needs for residential and commercial building owners and
Here’s what you need to know.
Q: From a maintenance standpoint, how do EVs compare to traditional gas-powered cars?
A: As opposed to a traditional gas vehicle, EVs require minimal maintenance aside from the occasional replacement of tires and breaks, which last up to triple the amount of time as regular diesel or gas-powered cars due to less wear and tear.
Q: How frequently do EVs require charging?
A: Electrically powered vehicles don’t work like
Q: Where do EV drivers generally charge up? Are there different kinds of EVSE?
A: 63% of EV charging is done at
Submetering and EVSE
Naturally, with the additional energy required to power Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment in residential buildings, there is a necessity to monitor and control usage to minimize over-consumption. As is the case with all utilities, tenants billed individually for their usage will use the stations more responsibly and efficiently. Submetering EVSE usage also helps control costs for building owners. By billing tenants individually as opposed to factoring in the added expenses to rental costs, building owners can remain competitive with their rental rates. Most private submetering companies such as Wyse Meter Solutions will offer the added benefit of multiple utilities on one bill, allowing for a streamlined billing process for both tenants and building owners.
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Toronto, Ontario, December 6, 2018 – Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (“Wyse”) today announced it has won the 2018 MAC Award for Outstanding Community Service (Supplier Member) presented by the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (“FRPO”).
Wyse is the first supplier member to receive a MAC Award, earning recognition for its comprehensive corporate social responsibility program, which supports local frontline partners providing shelter, advocacy and economic self-sufficiency services.
“Thanks to FRPO for honouring our community engagement with a MAC Award,” said Ian Stewart, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “Our employees have shaped this program, and we encourage them to run with it. Our ongoing focus is to help the most vulnerable members of our communities. We’re contributing to the kind of society we want to live in.”
“We are very proud of the positive change we supported together with our impressive partners,” said Peter Mills, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Wyse. “As longtime members of FRPO, earning a MAC Award for our efforts is gratifying. We feel at home with our industry's shared dedication to making a difference.”
The MAC Awards celebrate the multi-residential industry’s innovation and commitment to quality, as well as everything that goes into promoting the brand of rental housing. The gala was held on Thursday, November 29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with a record-breaking 1,050 industry professionals in attendance.
Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FPRO) has been the leading voice of the Province's rental housing industry for over 30 years. It is the largest association in Ontario representing those who own, manage, build and finance, as well as those who
Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. provides turnkey submetering and utility expense management services to building owners, developers and property managers across Canada. Wyse is unique in its ability to provide clients with financial and utility consumption transparency, as well as accountability. Through an exclusive partnership with Conservice, the largest submetering and utility management company in North America, Wyse is able to offer its customers a powerful program known as Synergy, providing owners and managers with a 360-degree comprehensive view of the entire utility spend within a building or portfolio of buildings. Synergy is already in use across 2.5 million units in North America, including eight of the top ten owners and managers of multi-family real estate. For more information on Wyse, visit its website at www.wysemeter.com.
During a Canada Post Service Disruption, your paper bill from Wyse may be delayed, and if you mail payment to Wyse it may be delayed. Please remember that it’s important to keep your Wyse account in good standing during a postal service disruption.
Wyse offers simple ways for customers to access account information and make payments on time. You can use the Wyse Resident Portal to:
Other Payment Options:
Your monthly bill can be paid online through your Internet Banking, Telephone Banking or at designated financial institutions – ATM or Teller Direct.
Wyse Call Centre:
1.844.411.0663 for more information about your account balance, e-billing, payment options and if you need help accessing the Wyse Resident Portal.
For the latest update on the work disruption please visit the Canada Post website.
The introduction of competition into Ontario’s utility metering environment was a measured move towards providing utility customers with the service they deserve, and an effort to keep administrative fees from increasing astronomically. It was clear that real change was needed to enhance protection for residents and improve service delivery, and that new players could shake things up. Given the complexities of Ontario’s utility and rental housing markets, on January 1, 2011, a comprehensive regulatory framework was set out to usher in submetering in a fair and transparent way. Over time, these regulations have evolved to meet customers’ needs, as unit sub-meter providers (
Ontario Energy Board (OEB)
The OEB was established by the Ministry of Energy in an effort to regulate the electricity and natural gas markets. Accordingly, the OEB has jurisdiction over regulating the activities of
The OEB grants licenses to
The Code is quite extensive and it is not unusual for clients, when reviewing agreements with
Energy Consumer Protection Act (ECPA)
While the main purpose of the ECPA is to provide guidelines to energy retailers as to how they can market contracts to individual consumers, it also provides some rules to USMPs and building owners setting out installation schedules for individual suite metering depending on building type (ie existing rental buildings, condominiums, new construction projects, non-profit housing, etc).
Section 38 of the ECPA Regulations sets forth the circumstances under which individual suite meters may be installed, whilst Section 39 sets forth the circumstances under which suite meters are required.
Further, the Regulations under this legislation mandate that
Specific to Landlords:
Residential Tenancies Act (the “RTA”)
While
The main takeaway for Landlords is that if they wish to submeter tenants in a building, they must obtain tenant acknowledgement and consent in the rental application or lease, specifying that electricity or water or other utilities are excluded from rent and that the tenant will be responsible for payment of those utilities to a third party provider at the commencement of his/her lease. Further, where the Landlord has electricity consumption data for the previous 12 months in a unit, the Landlord must provide such information to prospective tenants. The LTB website offers a sample form that may be used by Landlords for their convenience when providing the
Though the governing bodies and legislation mentioned in this article are the main source of authority for providing a code of conduct to USMPs and building owners, there are other regulatory bodies and/or legislation which provide additional guidelines for USMPs to comply within the submetering industry, including but not limited to: Measurement Canada, privacy acts and regulations, Electrical Safety Authority and individual municipal regulations.
While the regulatory landscape may continue to evolve, it is helpful for building owners interested in submetering programs to become familiar with the sound, customer-focused fundamentals upon which this industry is built.
By Malvina Sternak
In-house Counsel, Wyse Meter Solutions
When you pair the rising cost of electricity in Ontario with a historical disconnect between the tenant’s use of the electricity and the costs they incur, submetering is quickly becoming a real estate owner or manager’s new best friend. While utility submetering is becoming increasingly common for buildings in Toronto and other metropolitan areas, smaller market cities like Hamilton, Guelph and St. Catharine’s with independent,
“We recently completed the transition of over 4,000 residential units to sub-meters. The organizational savings to our firm in terms of execution, administration and tenant servicing through the outsourcing of this project to a professional submetering company was the most efficient and effective method of accomplishing our objective.” Matt Organ, President of Skyline Residential
As a building owner or manager, you can count on your utility submetering provider to liaise with your residents regarding monthly billing issues
1. Transparent and Accurate Billing
A private utility submetering service will take the hassle out of submetering for a landlord. This includes initial calculation of utility credits, to tenants being transitioned, right through to billing and collections. In short- submetering provides transparency. By independently measuring each unit’s usage, there is little room for argument on the tenant side after delivering accurate, carefully calculated bills on a strict month-to-month basis.
2. Accessible & Efficient Customer Service
By bringing on a professional service to handle your electricity submetering, you are also adopting a professional grade of customer service, with access to call centers that offer responsive customer service in multiple languages to reflect our province’s multi-cultural population. Call centers also mean more representatives which means faster service and lower call wait times. Be sure to do your research in this department when selecting your utility submetering service. Make sure they offer an in-house call center as opposed to outsourcing, check out their call-center wait times, as well as the quality of training given to their customer service representatives. This will ensure that your residents really do benefit from their
3. Self-Monitoring Resources and Tools for Residents
Submetering offers the opportunity for residents to take their consumption into their own hands. By giving them access to
4. Resources and Support for Owners and Managers
Landlords and building managers can look forward to developing invested, long-term relationships with a quality utility submetering provider who can provide expertise, guidance and timely market knowledge on a regular basis. To ensure you are going to be as well-supported as possible, make sure your provider’s executive team is directly accessible.
5. Staff Training
A legitimate provider will educate your staff on utility submetering, billing, and the use of their web portal so that they can effectively interact with your residents, and answer initial questions regarding enrollment and the use of self-monitoring resources. However, it is important that your staff is trained not to play the
Submetering has become an accepted strategy across the province for most landlords. When you decide it’s time to make the transition, remember the benefits of a professional submetering company outweigh the costs for both the
Summary
Introduction
For the multi-unit property at 15 Orton Park Road, Direct Properties Inc. (DPI) identified a business case for a conversion to a cutting-edge, electrical submetering program. The transition to Wyse’s class-leading platform was found to better align with DPI’s long-term objectives:
Description of Activities
Wyse seamlessly transitioned 147 residential suite accounts onto its sophisticated platform, already in use in over 2 million multi-residential units in North America. The client-focused approach included in-depth training for the entire DPI team to effectively use the portal and analysis tools for bulk data access, as well as to handle new enrolments. Additional education and outreach detailed the customer service features available for residents – notably a web portal that provides access to suite billing data, and an expert call centre that provides immediate answers in 26 languages, 14 hours a day.
Testimonial
“We have been in the multi-unit residential rental property management business for over 40 years and dealt with several companies who more often than not did not live up to expectations. I am thrilled to conclude that our experience with Wyse has been exemplary! Wyse made submetering extremely easy for us and we cannot be happier with the professionalism, dedication, and expertise the entire Wyse team has shown us.”
- Annette Mincer, President of Direct Properties Inc.
One of the first things they teach you in economics is the law of demand: the more the price of
When a landlord includes a utility in rent, it means that utility becomes a free commodity for the tenant. The tenant can consume as much as they want with no financial consequence. It is an unusual choice for an expensive commodity, but it nonetheless is still commonplace in Canada. So we know that people consume more of a good when it has a lower price – how about when it is free? Now that a number of landlords in Ontario have experience with submetering of utilities, more and more data is available which gives us a sense of just how responsive utility consumption is to changes in prices (that’s the elasticity of demand, another economics 101 lesson).
One company that was quick to move to address the lack of pricing for electricity in its portfolio was Starlight Investments Ltd. Starlight is a company that looks for innovative approaches to create
To determine the impact submetering was having on Starlight’s portfolio, I recently undertook an analysis of four Starlight properties using data readily available in Wyse’s utility billing web portal. I chose buildings with higher penetration rates of bill-payers so we could fairly compare bill-payers with non-bill-payers. While we have known about consumption reductions in response to billing for years, the results were still surprising.
The implications for Starlight are very straightforward. The average
John Lucic, Starlight’s Executive Director of Energy & Technical Maintenance, has been pleased with the results. “Our submetering program has been a tremendous boost for our energy cost reduction
While we often focus on the bottom line benefits, what is not often discussed are the implications for the environment. From the data above, each time a non-bill-payer is replaced with a bill-payer, monthly consumption is dropping by about 300 kWh on average. That is the equivalent savings of 2.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide put into the environment. That’s 63 trees grown for 10
What’s interesting is the potential of Ontario’s rental industry to benefit the environment. Starlight is one of the early adopters of submetering, so is a leader in the greening of our industry. However, many rental housing providers have yet to even consider submetering. Wyse estimates that there are still some 750,000 rental residential units in Ontario that are bulk metered for electricity. Even if the savings are half of what we found in the four Starlight buildings, say 150 kWh monthly, it means that the rental industry has the potential to contribute potential savings of 1,350,000,000 kWh. To put this in perspective, that is the equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions/savings from one of the following:
Data has just been released by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showing that 2014 was the warmest year on record, and that greenhouse gas emissions were the primary
Grow revenue. Help the environment. Invest more wisely
Measuring and reporting on energy and water consumption, as Bill 135 directs the Ministry of Energy to implement, is part of a larger global trend that is showing up in more and more jurisdictions each year. Already in the United States, at least 9 major cities and 1 state have EWRB requirements. These jurisdictions believe that the health and other benefits of a cleaner environment and better
By passing Bill 135, Ontario joins the growing number of global communities taking steps toward environmental responsibility. As an additional benefit, Bill 135 provides tools to allow Ontario to gain knowledge on how to reduce the costs surrounding utility expenses for its citizens, which is badly needed. For one thing, by understanding what is being used, apartment owners gain greater insights into their utility expense and tend to find ways to cut costs merely by having the information, which would reduce the burden on the energy grid and lower expense to the utility providers that can be passed onto the
Ontario’s current plan to implement EWRB involves phasing in requirements over a number of years.
Utility costs are expected to continue their steady rise over the next five years. If these costs are not effectively managed by your condominium, they can have a negative impact on your condominium’s value.
For many condominium buildings, utility costs are part of the common element fee – condo fees. Condominium purchasers are increasingly conscious of condo fees, and high fees can negatively impact on condo values. An independent study comparing two neighbouring buildings suggests that suites in the building with higher condo fees than its neighbours sold for $229 less per square foot. Conversely, a condominium that reduced its maintenance fees by 30 percent experienced sale price increases greater than neighbouring properties.
Utility cost can represent as much as 50 percent of a condominium’s common element costs. Any effective strategy to reduce those costs will benefit your
One simple way for many condominium corporations to reduce their energy consumption is sub-metering. Sub-metering can be implemented at no capital cost to the condominium corporation. Once implemented, in-suite electricity consumption is eliminated from common element fees and should lead to a condo fee reduction.
When individual households are billed based on their personal consumption, numerous studies have shown dramatic decreases in consumption levels - as much as 60 percent. Overall, a building’s energy consumption will experience a significant decrease from sub-metering which also benefits the environment.
There is also a fairness benefit. Lower energy users are no longer required to subsidize high energy users through their condo fees after sub-metering is implemented.
Sub-metering is one of many approaches condominium corporations can explore to lower utility consumption in their building and potentially reduce condo fees. Some approaches may require a capital investment by the corporation and offer a quick payback – such as lighting retrofits. Regularly reviewing utility efficiency measures remains an effective way to increase the value of one’s condo building and home.
Most major Canadian rental markets are experiencing extremely low vacancies, yet under tight rent control policies, and expanding regulatory responsibilities, owners and operators cannot keep pace with sharply increasing utility costs. As a result, submetering has become the go-to strategy for relief from rising operating costs and low cap acquisitions in a rent-controlled market. Mark Kenney, COO of CAPREIT says: “Market Analysts keep pointing to our submetering program as a positive driver in our stock price. When we convert a suite to ‘plus electricity’ it’s equivalent to a 5% rent increase“.
Submetering Basics: Cost Control
Submeters measure in-suite utility consumption. Residents are billed individually and pay only for their consumption of any given utility being metered. Electricity is the most commonly metered utility and is the easiest utility to retrofit in an existing building. A growing number of existing buildings also meter for water, especially in markets like Vancouver and Ottawa where the building profile is particularly conducive to this retrofit, and the supply and cost of water has become a hot-button topic. New construction projects are including water and gas and sometimes even heating and cooling (
Submetering Results in Reduced Utility Consumption
Depending on the building configuration roughly 60% of the electricity bill is associated with in-suite use. In addition, the positive impact on reducing overall energy use is significant. Typically in-suite consumption drops by 34% to 48% in non-electrically heated buildings, reducing the overall building consumption as much as 32%. When it comes to a reduction in water consumption through submetering a lot depends on the building profile, in-suite versus common area amenities, and pre-existing water efficiency measures. The number is highly variable but on average in-suite water consumption drops by 30%. Reduction of overall utility use is good for the environment and easier on the building infrastructure, reducing wear and tear, operating and maintenance costs.
What’s Involved: Focus on Retrofit
The Hardware:
The rules and regulations around metering for electricity are the most stringent and are the focus here. When it comes to any utility metering project, it’s always best to work with a provider that works with multiple meter manufacturers and can tailor a project to your specific building requirements.
Smart Meter versus Submeter?
The term “submeter” refers to any meter that is installed after the bulk meter to read a specific area (a suite for example) or even a piece of equipment on the property. It can be nothing more than a simple “dial under glass” meter. “Smart meters” incorporate any number of additional capabilities:
Whatever the meter type it’s important to ensure that meters are using a non-proprietary software. Using meters with proprietary software means owners end up paying for expensive software updates and meter recertification processes and may limit their choice of service providers down the road.
Cost
Submetering providers supply and install the meters at no charge to the building owner under a comprehensive billing agreement. Other options are available, but this is the most popular model. There are a few exceptions, for example in Ontario buildings that had submeters installed prior to 2011 may bill for all electricity use, including heating. After this date, billing only lights and plug loads are allowed, for now. Some additional work may be required to separate out electric heat. In most other Canadian jurisdictions the full electrical load used by the resident can be metered and billed.
Easy, Fast Installation
Installing meters is a simple exercise when dedicated crews are used. They understand the working environment in a residential building and legislative requirements. There is very little disturbance to the building and the residents. Meter panels are quite compact and are easily installed within existing electrical closets in the building corridor – a critical feature for markets like Vancouver where every square foot counts. Other than a few minutes to verify the suite be connected correctly to the submeter, there is no in-suite work. Disruption to power in-suite is just a few hours. Depending on building configuration the installation of water meters may occur either outside or within the suite itself, with all other associated equipment installed in common areas.
The Billing Process
Every provider bills a little differently, however, all must at a minimum follow the standards in place set by the local jurisdictional authority to maintain their license. The Ontario Energy Board standards are the most rigorous so most submetering companies that operate nationally apply this standard across all jurisdictions. These standards dictate the following:
A quality submetering provider will strive to exceed these standards. Accurate, transparent and timely billing and reporting is the most critical component of any submetering program as it directly impacts the resident experience in your property and the owner’s internal accounting processes.
Your Customers and Ours: The Residents
In most Canadian jurisdictions building owners may enroll existing residents after their current lease term expires and have been successfully doing so for years. If your buildings are in Ontario, the legislation allows for the enrollment of new tenants to the building only. Your submetering service provider should deliver education, training and ongoing support for your staff so that they can properly enroll tenants and answer some basic questions. In addition, submetering providers should have a comprehensive customer service program for your residents. This should include:
RECAP: Submetering Benefits