This question is related to the charges assessed on new meters, specifically the General Facilities Charge (GFC) charge. For a new meter there is a $2,550.00 GFC charge (5/8” inch meter) for new capacity. If I have an existing duplex that is served by one meter and I wish to install a new second meter so each unit is served by separate meters it would seem that we are not adding any new capacity to the building. No additional flow will be used to serve the building. How does the GFC apply to existing buildings that are being split?
On the technical side, and in line with industry standards, water system capacity is certainly increased by adding another meter. But on the functional side the opposite may be true given that individually metered accounts are paid for by individual tenants, leading to increased personal responsibility for water use and therefore decreased water consumption. In this specific case, where building occupancy capacity and use type does not change, we agree that waiving the GFC for the additional meter is appropriate given the increased accountability of tenants for their consumption and the conservation potential. Property owners are still responsible for the cost of the new meter installation itself, and if any future improvements/additions are made to the property that could increase occupancy then the waived GFC would be reinstated.