Does ENMAX charge extra to add a separate meter for a basement suite or can you just split the bill?

ENMAX does charge for installing a separate meter for a basement suite, but many homeowners find it worthwhile for the long-term benefits of separate billing and tenant responsibility.

Installing a separate electrical meter for your basement suite involves several costs through ENMAX. You'll pay for the new meter installation (typically $300-600), plus any required electrical panel upgrades and wiring modifications by a licensed electrician. The total project cost usually ranges from $1,500-4,000 depending on your home's existing electrical setup and how much new wiring is needed to create separate circuits for the suite.

The main advantage of separate metering is clear billing separation — your tenant pays their own electricity bill directly to ENMAX, eliminating disputes about usage and simplifying your rental management. This is especially valuable in Calgary where winter heating costs can be substantial. Many landlords find that tenants are more conscious about energy usage when they're paying the bill directly.

However, you cannot simply "split the bill" on a single meter. ENMAX bills the account holder (you) for all electricity used on that meter. If you keep one meter, you'll need to estimate the tenant's portion or include utilities in the rent. Some landlords use sub-meters (installed by the tenant's electrical panel) to track usage, but these aren't read by ENMAX — you'd still receive one bill and calculate the split yourself.

For the electrical work, you'll need a licensed electrician and electrical permits through the City of Calgary. The electrician will install a separate panel for the suite with its own main breaker, run new circuits for the suite's outlets and lighting, and coordinate with ENMAX for the meter installation. All work must be inspected by an accredited Safety Codes Officer.

Consider your rental strategy before deciding. If you plan to include utilities in the rent anyway, the separate meter may not be worth the upfront cost. But if you want tenants responsible for their own utilities, separate metering provides clean separation and can actually increase your property's rental appeal to responsible tenants who prefer controlling their own utility costs.

Contact ENMAX at 403-514-3000 to discuss the specific requirements for your property and get current pricing for meter installation.

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