More apartment buyers are being told to pay for their own electricity meters, with property developers unwilling to foot the bill after ActewAGL increased prices.
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Soon-to-be residents at the Mayfair Apartments – a 16-storey residential complex on West Row in Civic – have been asked to pay $563 for the installation before moving into their new home.
Developers have historically installed electricity meters at new properties, although Actew began charging $563 for each apartment in July 2015. Previously the meter charge was incorporated into the supply charge.
The change was opposed by many Canberra builders who feared they would be left thousands of dollars out of pocket on domestic and commercial construction jobs.
In some cases the fee was not factored into the budget for larger residential projects like the Ivy Apartments in Gungahlin, where residents have been left without power for weeks.
Many have relied on candles and torches despite being given statements of occupancy. Some have used extension cords to reach power points outside to turn on lamps or the television.
ActewAGL has confirmed soon-to-be residents at the 191-unit Mayfair Apartments have been paying the installation fee, rather than developer Morris Property Group.
The developer has not responded to questions from Fairfax Media, although ActewAGL confirmed it was asked by an electrician to install the metres at 150 units on its behalf.
ActewAGL's energy networks general manager, Stephen Devlin, said payment for only 13 installations had been received by September 23.
"The payments we have received have been from the owner," he said. The installation fee for 150 apartments would cost the developers close to $85,000.
Mr Devlin also warned it could take up to six weeks for power to be installed at the apartments, which may delay the move-in date for many.
"The process for meter connections in a new building is a standard part of the building development process, which is the responsibility of the building developer," he said.
Last week, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he would look to change regulations after the election to ensure residents would not be left without access to power.
Chris Hudina, managing director of Oakleigh Projects, has refused to pass on the $6750 cost of installing 12 meters at the Signature Apartments in Lyneham, describing it as unethical.
"We got caught up in this and I decided to pay the installation costs myself rather than passing them on to the buyers, which was about $9000 for the 12 units," he said.
"Morally, I think that was the right thing to do given what some buyers have experienced."
Mr Hudina said ActewAGL should have established a grace period to ensure builders and buyers were aware of the changes.
"Just imagine, you've got your keys and your mortgage and you can't even live in your apartment," he said. "It would be miserable.
"Every builder will have their own view on this, but it's a cost that many will have to factor into their budget."
