All common area utilities (including wifi internet service) and unit heating, cooling, and electricity is covered by utility reimbursement fees in the monthly condo bills.
Electricity
CCH buys electricity in bulk at a commercial rate. Since individual meters were not allowed (due to a questionable decision made by a Cambridge Health Department inspector), costs are apportioned according to the same ownership percentages that we use for all other assessments. Electricity costs are based on: A) How much power we use; and B) When we use it. The power company monitors our power load (i.e. the amount of power that we are drawing at any given moment in time). They keep a running 15-minute average of this measurement. The highest 15-minute average load in a month is the peak load, which partly determines our cost for the month. As peak load increases, our cost increases. Typically, the peak occurs during the hours of 6 pm to 11 pm, when people tend to use lights, ovens, microwaves, TVs and so on. To help reduce the peak, try to avoid using major electrical appliances during these hours. Dishwashers typically have a "delay start" feature that can be used to run the machine overnight. If your schedule allows it, avoid using your washer and dryer during peak hours. Also, we strongly advise people not to set back their thermostats during the day.
(Bob Melvin, 2005)
Phone Service
Intercoms
Internet Service