Have a client considering a 75-unit apartment development here in Daytona Beach. FPL is offering both master metering under Schedule GSD-1 or individual residential meters. The master meter setup saves about $8,000 in connection fees upfront, but I'm trying to calculate the long-term cost difference. Anyone have experience with similar FPL projects? The demand charges on commercial service are killing similar properties I audit.
FPL master meter vs individual meters cost analysis?
Mike, I've done this analysis for several Florida properties. The break-even is usually around 18-24 months, but it depends heavily on tenant usage patterns. If you have a lot of electric heating or heavy AC users, individual meters almost always win long-term. The commercial demand charges will eat you alive on master-metered service.
Also factor in the administrative costs of allocation billing and tenant disputes. I've seen properties spend $15,000+ annually just dealing with master meter allocation complaints. Individual meters eliminate that headache completely.