This will be may main column in the paper next weekend but I thought I’d share a few observations in advance.
So what does a sensible owners’ corp do? Well, for start, you don’t lock off a convenient power supply, just in case.
First you could pass a by-law restricting what can be run off common property electricity sockets. Vacuum cleaners, yes, freezers, beer fridges and cars, maybe not. Then establish a programme whereby residents can apply to have separate electrical meters installed on the sockets.
These cost less than $50 (plus electrician fees), a charge that I’m sure electric car owners would be happy to pay. Here is one example but there are cheaper imports available.
Add in a few riders about who is responsible for the maintenance etc, and how the bills are to be calculated and paid, and suddenly your unit block has lurched into the 21st Century.
It’s a little bit complicated but it’s more forward looking than a “lock up your daughters” approach to the electricity supply.