Embedded networks?!? How crook are they?? We moved into a new 106-unit block in Sydney in early 2018. The nice young man said that it had an embedded network, but that was a good thing because the operator bought electricity at wholesale rates and would sell it on to us cheaply – the contract guaranteed cheaper power than any other that was commercially available.
When we booked the day to move in, we were sent a contract via e-mail to sign and return. If we didn’t sign and return, the power and hot water would not be turned on and we could sit in the dark! We signed.
The situation now is that the roof is totally covered with solar panels that are NOT common property but belong to the energy supplier. His (or her) workpersons have triggered three false fire alarms in six weeks. The panels power the lifts/fans etc. during the day and any excess is sold back into the grid, to the profit of their owner.
It is not really possible to accurately measure the cost of energy to any one unit, as the system supplies electricity and gas and charges unit owners to heat their hot water for them. Disentangling these prices is very difficult.
The alternative to the current arrangements is to install a whole new power and gas supply, which would cost many thousands of $$$. The meters, valves and piping all belong to the supplier.
To be strictly fair, the gas that comes out of the bayonet fitting is a lot cheaper than the gas that heats the stove! We bought a gas heater and have been pleasantly warm all winter.
My point is that we have no effective choice as to who supplies us and how much we have to pay.