Canada: Renters wary of meters

Critics fear landlords will use `smart meter’ system to off-load power costs onto poor

Etobicoke apartment dweller John Kim and his family want to help Ontario conserve energy.

But he’s worried renters with modest and low incomes may end up paying dearly because provincial conservation policies


Although the smart-meter policy is not yet mandatory, Kim’s landlord at 5 Capri Rd. is already installing the devices and asking tenants to voluntarily switch in exchange for rent reductions.

“The move to off-load electricity costs to tenants is causing confusion and fear,” said Councillor Frances Nunziata (Ward 11