S.C. Code Regs. § 103-327
Master Metering
Operative Text
A. All service delivered to new multi-occupancy residential premises at which units of such premises are separately rented, leased or owned shall be delivered by an electrical utility on the basis of individual meter measurement for each dwelling. B. Any exception to the provisions of paragraph A., supra, must be approved by the commission upon its determination that individual metering to such premises is impractical and unreasonable. C. Service to structures for which permits were issued or construction started prior to January 23, 1981, shall not be affected by the provisions contained herein. D. Commercial premises with master metered service established prior to October 31, 1980, which are later converted to residential use shall not be affected by provisions contained herein.
S.C. Code Regs. ch. 103 § 103-327 establishes that new multi-occupancy residential buildings where units are separately rented, leased, or owned must receive electrical service through individual meters for each dwelling unit, rather than through a single master meter. The South Carolina Public Service Commission may grant exceptions when individual metering is determined to be impractical and unreasonable. Buildings for which permits were issued or construction began before January 23, 1981, and commercial properties converted to residential use that had master metering established before October 31, 1980, are exempt from this requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators developing or acquiring new multi-occupancy residential rental properties in South Carolina should be aware that § 103-327 generally requires individual electrical meters for each dwelling unit. Compliant operators typically ensure that individual metering is installed during construction and obtain any necessary approvals from the South Carolina Public Service Commission before relying on a master-meter arrangement. Owners of older properties built or permitted before January 23, 1981, or commercial properties converted to residential use with master metering established before October 31, 1980, should document their eligibility for the applicable exemption.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under S.C. Code Regs. ch. 103 § 103-327, tenants in newer multi-occupancy residential buildings generally have a right to have their electrical service measured by an individual meter rather than allocated through a master meter shared across units. If a tenant believes their building is subject to this rule but is not individually metered, they may consider raising the issue with the South Carolina Public Service Commission, which has authority to review compliance and grant or deny exceptions. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with South Carolina utility regulations can help residents understand whether their building qualifies for one of the provision's exemptions and what options may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 19, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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