The state Public Service Commission has decided to solicit comments on revised regulations governing residential electric submetering, a system that allows a landlord, property management firm, condominium association, homeowners’ association or other multi-tenant property owner to bill tenants for individual measured electric usage.

Tenants in master-metered buildings that are not submetered do not pay for electricity based on a measurement of actual use in their apartment; instead, average electric charges are included as a component of their rent.

In addition, tenants who make adjustments in their living patterns to reduce consumption and save energy see no benefit from this in their monthly rent.

With metering of individual dwelling units, electricity consumers pay bills based on their actual consumption.

Furthermore, a case-by-case review of requests to submeter, accompanied by a comprehensive commission order, will be conducted in situations in which electric heat is included in rent, or when a petitioner elects to submeter in lieu of direct metering in new construction. Electric-heated buildings must show that a substantial majority of the tenants will benefit or be unharmed financially as a result of submetering. Landlords must also install programmable thermostats in such buildings.Comments should be submitted to Secretary@dps.ny.gov. Or, mail or deliver them to Hon. Jaclyn A. Brilling, Secretary, Public Service Commission, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350.

A copy of the proposed regulations, when issued, may be obtained by going to the commission’s website at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 11-M-0710 in the input box labeled “Search for Case/Matter Number.”