Submetering Education Center
Submetering has become one of the most effective ways for multifamily properties and hotels to control utility costs and improve net operating income. But before installing a system, it helps to understand how submetering works, what it actually saves, and how automated meter reading fits into the picture.
This page is your starting point. Whether you are comparing options for the first time or looking for hard numbers to bring to ownership, the resources below are organized to get you there faster. Start with the guides if you are new to submetering, or jump straight to the case studies if you want to see the results first.
Explore By Topic
Each category below covers a different part of the submetering journey. Guides explain the fundamentals and how the technology works. Case studies show real savings from properties that have already made the switch. The blog covers ongoing industry news, and the podcast digs deeper into specific topics with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here's what property owners ask us most.
What is submetering, and how does it work?
Submetering installs individual meters downstream from the main utility meter so each unit's exact water or energy use can be tracked and billed accurately, instead of splitting one shared bill across all residents.
How much can submetering actually save?
Properties typically see 15 to 40 percent in utility savings once tenants are billed for their own usage. In one apartment community IMS worked with, submetering reduced average water bills by about 36 percent.
Do I need automated meter reading (AMR) with my submeters?
AMR is not required, but it removes the need for manual reads and lets you collect daily usage data automatically, which makes it easier to catch leaks and billing issues early.
How long does installation take?
Timelines vary by property size and unit access, but most multifamily submetering installations are completed in phases so residents are not displaced and normal operations continue.
Is submetering only for large properties?
No. Submetering benefits properties of nearly any size, from small multifamily buildings to large hotel portfolios, since utility cost recovery scales with unit count rather than property type.
What could submetering save you?
Ready to see what submetering could save at your property? Our team can walk through your specific setup and give you a straight answer on cost, timeline, and expected savings. Reach out to get started, no obligation.
We typically respond within one business day.