Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 7-304.1 - Master meter(a) In this section, "master meter" means a meter used to measure, for billing purposes, the total amount of electricity or natural gas used in a building by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including the combined use from all individually leased or owned units and all common areas.(b) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the Commission may authorize the use of a master meter in a residential multiple occupancy building for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services without requiring individual metering or submetering for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services as provided under § 7-303 or § 7-304 of this subtitle if:(1) the utility bill for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services for each individually leased or owned occupancy unit is included in the rent for that unit;(2) the Commission is satisfied that the use of the master meter for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services will result in a net savings of energy over the energy savings that would result from individual metering or submetering for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services; and(3) each individually leased or owned occupancy unit: (i) has individual metered service for other energy services; and(ii) directly receives the utility bill for the other energy services.(c) Before authorizing the use of a master meter for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, the Commission may review the proposed allocation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system expenses among individual units and common areas served by the master meter.(d)(1) This subsection applies only in Prince George's County.(2) The Commission may not authorize the use of a master meter in a residential multiple occupancy building that is: (i) constructed for condominium or cooperative ownership; or(ii) converted to condominium or cooperative ownership.(3) In the case of a residential multiple occupancy building in which the Commission has previously authorized the use of a master meter in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, and that is intended to be converted to condominium or cooperative ownership, the conversion of ownership may not take effect until individual meters have been installed for each individual dwelling unit and for the common areas of the building.(e) In accordance with § 7-301 of this subtitle, an electric company or a gas company may inspect and test a master meter authorized for use by the Commission under this section.Amended by 2018 Md. Laws, Ch. 128, Sec. 1, eff. 6/1/2018.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.