Success Story: How One Property Manager Cut Utility Costs by 30% with Submetering

Rising utility costs continue to challenge multifamily communities and property managers across the country. Yet, one property manager turned this challenge into an opportunity—cutting utility expenses by 30% and improving tenant satisfaction with a strategic investment in submetering.

The Challenge: Soaring Utility Bills and Low Accountability

Located in Central Florida, the 180-unit apartment complex was grappling with ballooning water and electricity bills. With a flat-rate utility model in place, tenants paid the same monthly amount regardless of their actual usage. This led to a lack of conservation, widespread overuse, and no clear way to identify leaks or anomalies.

The property manager knew that without a system that held residents accountable for their consumption, the community’s operating budget would continue to strain—impacting maintenance projects and rent affordability.

The Solution: Implementing a Submetering System

After consulting with Think Utility Services, the property manager opted to retrofit the community with a full-service submetering solution. The plan included:

• Installation of water and electric submeters in each unit.

• Monthly utility billing based on actual consumption.

• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance support.

• Leak detection and usage alerts.

The project was completed with minimal disruption to residents, and the property manager took the opportunity to educate tenants on the benefits—emphasizing fairness and environmental responsibility.

The Results: 30% Cost Savings in Under a Year

Within just 10 months of submetering implementation, the property experienced a 30% reduction in utility costs. The savings came from:

• Reduced water and electricity consumption (tenants used 20% less on average).

• Early detection of leaks that previously went unnoticed.

• Eliminating waste from vacant units and common areas.

• Shifting utility costs from the property’s operating budget to individual residents fairly and transparently.

Residents also began to report a greater sense of accountability and satisfaction, knowing they had control over their monthly bills.

A Model for Other Communities

This success story is a testament to how data-driven utility management can directly impact a community’s financial health. By investing in submetering, this property manager not only improved the bottom line but also created a culture of sustainability and fairness among residents.

Final Thoughts

If your property is struggling with rising utility expenses or looking to implement a more equitable billing system, submetering may be the answer. Think Utility Services offers turnkey submetering solutions tailored to your community’s unique needs—from installation to ongoing billing and support.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you reduce utility costs, improve resident satisfaction, and build a more efficient future for your property.