Electric meter at commercial space (NYC)
We moved our small business to this new location that was not 100% ready. One of the things not ready was there wasn't electric meter yet. Landlord send me a form to filled out for new service, and apparently the process was not that easy since there was not meter there yet for this unit and according to him we are connected to the main building line now. 

5 months forward to last week, I get an email from the landlord stating that I need to give a $2200 deposit to electric company for the meter. I mentioned that I'll need to talk to them to see where the request is coming from. I tried calling and they won't talk to me since I'm not authorized in the account. Now landlord said that he will add me to be the authorized party so I am able to talk to them. What amazes me is that how is that they asking me for money and I cannot even talk to them about this matter. 

Direct quote from his email "Your lease requires you to get a meter and pay Con Ed directly. " Not true a out this on the lease. 

Can anyone advice on this or had any experience in the past similar to this?
[{"id": "ev0m4pa", "text": "Read the lease. If it says Tenant is responsible, then you need to pay.  Very normal for electric companies to require authorization from the account holder (landlord in this case).  \n\n\nIf landlord is responsible, you need to find that text and email him the section that says he is responsible. If he argues from there, get an attorney.", "replies": [{"id": "ev0yajj", "text": "Thanks for the reply. This is what the lease says: Tenant shall, at its own cost and expense, during the Term hereof, maintain separate accounts in its own name for any and all electricity consumed by Tenant at the Premises and pay all costs associated with such accounts directly to the public utility or municipal authority furnishing the same. \n\nIt is not clear about a meter, an account of course I have to set up and I applied for that but since there is no meter we don't have one yet.", "replies": [{"id": "ev0yt88", "text": "The spirit of this is that you pay the electrical bill, but it can be interpreted that you\u2019re responsible for all associated costs unfortunately. \n\nWhat does it say about delivery of the premises? \u201cAs is\u201d ? Any mention of landlord responsibilities any where else?", "replies": [{"id": "ev0z7qh", "text": "There was a lot to do left from the landlord in the space since it was not 100% ready when we moved in, so there is not \"as is\" in the lease.", "replies": [{"id": "ev16cey", "text": "There is a section in the LOI or lease that states \u201ccondition\u201d the building will be in upon delivery.   What does that say? \n\n\nLandlord is trying to take advantage of your inexperience.  Typically they pay for meters to be installed, but you blew it by not confirming that in writing.   If it doesn\u2019t say anything about utilities in place, you may be on the hook.  Check with the building permit. Does he even have certificate of occupancy?", "replies": [{"id": "ev1994s", "text": "This is what it says about condition: Tenant acknowledges and represents to Landlord that it has thoroughly inspected and examined, or caused to be thoroughly inspected and examined, the Premises and the Building and that it is fully familiar with the physical condition and state of repair thereof.\n\nThen on the LOI mentions about C of O but never got one since the building was never ready and I assume a electric meter should have been in place in order to get one.", "replies": [{"id": "ev19xyx", "text": "Copy and paste the language about the  C of O. Or just dm me your lease. You might be SOL if there is no deadline on coo. Technically you aren\u2019t even allowed to be in the building unless it\u2019s for construction related to the permit without coo.  Could be a massive fine from the city if you\u2019re caught.", "replies": [{"id": "ev1asxl", "text": "This is what I found on the LOI. \n\nLandlord to deliver the Premises with the following: \n\n\\- Broom clean condition   \n\\- C of O for Tenant\u2019s intended use   \n\\- Utilities and plumbing for 1 sink above bathroom stubbed to premises   \n\\- Fire Alarm and Sprinkler to code   \n\\- Plumbing for one sink to be installed on Ground Floor above existing bathroom   \n\\- ADA compliant storefront - Interior walls painted to tenant\u2019s specifications   \n\\- Vinyl or tile flooring installed (to be discussed)\n\nThis on the lease: \n\nTenant shall not at any time use or occupy the Premises for a purpose or in a manner which is in violation of the certificate of occupancy at such time issued for the Premises or for the Building, and in the event that any department of the City or State of New York shall hereafter contend or declare by notice, violation, order or in any other manner whatsoever that the Premises are used for a purpose which is a violation of such certificate of occupancy, Tenant shall, upon receipt of written notice from Owner or any governmental authority, immediately discontinue such use of the Premises.", "replies": [{"id": "ev1bqcb", "text": "The LOI language is perfect. Did any of it get transferred to the lease? The paragraph you copied is just generic text. Anything specific about delivery like you copied from the LOI?  \n\nAlso, look at the website below to look up your address and see if the permit was closed out. I work in Los Angeles, so it may a different site, but this should get you going. Call the building department if you have to.  \nhttp://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/bispi00.jsp\n\n\nAlso, call the number listed on the website below to see if they can help navigate the local laws regarding meters. That helpline will likely know. \nhttps://www.coned.com/en/accounts-billing/how-to-read-your-meter/shared-meters", "replies": [], "depth": 9}, {"id": "ev1c52u", "text": "At the end of the day, you need to print this lease out and highlight the sections regarding utilities, CofO, delivery, and costs associated. Do more thorough reading, and not just scanning. Hold the landlord accountable to the lease. Hire an attorney if needed. If it's not in there, it's on you. Sounds like the LOI was signed in good faith by the landlord after reviewing, so don't go on the offensive yet, and ask for clarification/ help pointing to the language in the lease if needed.", "replies": [{"id": "ev1epad", "text": "Excellent. Thanks for all the help!\nJust so you know, in the LOI where it says about the sink, when that time came for him to get it installed, he asked for $1000. Of course he didn't get it and got my sink installed. That's the way he operates.\n\nOne more thing I forget to mention. He said he will send the $2200 deposit on my behalf and that I have to give him a check afterwards.", "replies": [{"id": "ev1n177", "text": "What a guy. Hope it works out for you. Good luck.", "replies": [], "depth": 11}], "depth": 10}], "depth": 9}], "depth": 8}], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]