Submetering Services

Utility Submetering is a cost effective method of passing the monthly utility expense from the Community to the resident. A disciplined and structured Submetering program increases net operating income through resident conservation and owner-control of fluctuations in utility seasonal usage.

The metering of individual apartments gives the residents direct control over their usage, resulting in lower utility costs. Residents report leaking fixtures in a timely fashion because they have a vested interest in utility conservation. The net result is a lower cost of living.

Submetered Properties across the country consistently outperform utilities paid properties by keeping rents competitive and utility costs controlled. The Submetering of electric, gas and water (including sewer) can reduce resident consumption 15 to 40 percent.

Billing & Collection

On a monthly basis, our billing service accumulates the necessary data to fairly and equitably invoice the resident for utility consumption. The resident then remits payment per the terms of the invoice. We then process the resident’s payment on behalf of the community. Approximately, every 30 days, a Reimbursement Check is paid to the community for utilities collected on their behalf.

Residents can view real-time data, online at our dedicated energy conservation website. Residents have the option of paying by check, making credit card payments online, or setting up a monthly automated payment of their outstanding balance. The community is also given full access to resident account information, to review billing and payment history online, in real time.

The residents and community also have a toll-free customer service number for direct communication with a Customer Service Professional

Energy Allocation Sub-meters

The design of certain heating systems (i.e. central systems), makes installing individual submeters either cost prohibitive or not practical. Energy Allocation Submeters have been designed to measure the Time “T”, that a rated mechanical piece of equipment runs or ,additionally, the Time and Temperature “TT” that a piece of equipment runs, to calculate the energy used through an allocation calculation. The T and TT systems can be used to allocate gas for heating and electric for cooling

By measuring the amount of time a unit runs and measuring any relevant temperatures, we are able to collect data on individual units to determine usage. By using the manufacturer’s specs on the heating unit and the time or time and temperature data; we are able to determine the individual unit’s gas usage.

Electric Meters

Electric flow can be measured two different ways, either by a flow meter or electromechanical meter. Both methods are considered accurate methods of measurement

Flow-through meters are less expensive, but introduce additional installation costs. Electric meters are placed on the incoming supply line of a unit’s breaker panel. The data is read remotely by an automated meter reading system “AMR”. Residents are then billed on a per unit basis according to usage. The cost per unit is determined by the local utility.

Gas Meters

Gas can be measured two different ways, either by a flow meter or a time & temperature measurement. Gas flow meters measure the actual volume of gas delivered to an apartment. An in-line gas meter measures and records gas consumption in units. The data is read remotely by an automated meter reading system “AMR”.

Residents are then billed on a per unit basis according to usage. The cost per unit is determined by the local utility.

Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS)

A Ratio Utility Billing System is a system/formula for allocating utility usage based on the master metered utility invoice. A RUBS Allocation Formula can be based on square footage, number of residents and number of bathrooms or a combination of factors. The allocation formula also considers the number of days a unit is under lease and base charges associated with the unit.

A RUBS is often used where plumbing and mechanical architecture makes metering cost prohibitive.

Water Meters

Water Submetering is based on measuring the actual amount of water used. An in-line water meter measures and records water consumption in units. The data is read remotely by an automated meter reading system “AMR”. Residents are then billed on a per unit basis according to usage. The cost per unit is determined by the local utility.

Water meters should meet measurement standards as established by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). There are many poorly designed and assembled, inexpensive meters available today that are not certified for accuracy and are not recommended.

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The bottom line is the energy management services and programs provide significant benefit to any organization by reducing waste, cutting cost and improving profits, as well as helping the environment.