Opinions needed, converting a duplex from 2 electric meters to one (Portland: to rent, buying)

[helplessinfl]

I am buying a duplex which has 2 electric meters. Both sides have 2 bedrooms and I will be converting it so my side has 3 bedrooms leaving the other side with 1 bedroom. My daughter will be moving into the other side. It seems silly to me that we will both be paying the extras that come with each bill, the usual monthly service charge and taxes.
What do you see as the pros and cons of converting to one electric meter leaving out any family problems that could occur.

Thanks !

[sayulita]

Curious as to why you are posting this here. This is a Portland forum.

[oregonn8v]

Potential Problems:

1. What if you choose to resell and the new owner wants the duplex on separate electrical?
2. What about when your daughter moves out and you want to rent the other Half and have the tenant responsible for their own electrical?
3. What if one electrical box does not have enough power to service both sides of the duplex?
4. What if the cost of converting to one meter will actually cost you 10 years to recoup in comparission to the "little extras" you would pay on each bill?

[helplessinfl]

Thank you Oregonn8v... very helpful..

[Nell Plotts]

Just total the bills on the two units and pro-rate.

[PDX_Home_Inspector]

Wait till the city gets into your pants for the conversion!! A seperate apt costs something lke $10,000 in permits - keep it the way it is and just charge more.