Is there a better way or an alternative to splitting one service into 2 meters than replacing the ct cabinet. I am looking at a 14,000 sq ft building with an 800 amp one meter service. This estimate is going to be way up there considering the amount of work and material involved. Any one done something like this before?

Unfortunately, this is where the "5 P's" rule comes into play. "Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance."

I am working with a customer on the plans for a new retail building. While it's a small one - maybe 30 x 60 - the customer wants the possibility of later dividing it into two separate units. Knowing this 'up front,' it's relatively easy to do a lot of the groundwork now, at the start.

Converting an existing building is a major undertaking - especially if the original job was done in the simplest, cheapest manner possible. Remember: switch gear is custom made; if you don't ask for provisions to be made, the cabinet won't have what you need in it.

It MIGHT be possible to 'cheap out,' if the customer wants to have his own metering, and do his own billing. In that case, the customer can instal a meter at each panel. While E-Mon has made a business of this market, reconditioned PoCo meters are available for less than $50.

Even so, it won't be cheap. The breakers for the switchgear likely cost $300 each - and there may not be space. Again, it comes down to the original plan, and how relevant it is to today's needs.

If you are going to sub meter on the premise, you may want to contact the POCO first. Most utilities forbid reselling power. If your customer were to do it "behind close doors" and get caught, the owner could get into some serious legal problems just a FYI

Bot540:
Cheapest solution is as Reno said: Check meters, or sub-meters...IF they are allowed in your locality.

Hassle is someone has to 'read' them and process the billing. And someone has to be responsible for the 'main' POCO meter & paying that bill. Yes, there are co's that do the 'paperwork' (for a fee). There are also other mfg besides E-mon.

Need more info?