Submetering FAQs
General
Utility submetering is the practice of measuring utility usage at the individual unit, tenant, or space level within a property. Submeters are installed downstream of the utility’s master meter and can be used to measure water, electricity, gas, or other utilities.
A utility company typically measures total building consumption through a master meter. Submeters measure usage for individual units, tenants, or designated areas within the property. The collected data can then be used for monitoring, reporting, and utility cost allocation.
Depending on the property and system design, submeters can be installed for:
• Water
• Electricity
• Gas
Some properties may utilize one type of submeter, while others implement multiple systems.
• Water
• Electricity
• Gas
Some properties may utilize one type of submeter, while others implement multiple systems.
Submetering is commonly used in:
• Condominium associations
• Apartment communities
• Mixed-use developments
• Commercial buildings
• Office complexes
• Multi-tenant properties
• Condominium associations
• Apartment communities
• Mixed-use developments
• Commercial buildings
• Office complexes
• Multi-tenant properties
Water System
Many property owners install water submeters to improve visibility into water usage, support fair utility allocation, encourage conservation, and identify abnormal consumption patterns that may indicate leaks or system issues.
Submetering data may help property managers identify unusual water consumption patterns that warrant further investigation. While submeters do not automatically prevent leaks, usage data can provide valuable insight into potential issues.
In many cases, yes. Retrofit options are available for numerous existing buildings. Installation feasibility depends on the property’s plumbing configuration, accessibility, and infrastructure. A site evaluation is typically required.
Many properties report improved conservation awareness after implementing submetering because occupants become more aware of their individual consumption. Actual results vary by property and occupant behavior.
Electrical System
Electrical submetering measures electricity consumption at the individual unit, tenant, or equipment level rather than only at the building level.
Electrical submetering can provide improved visibility into energy consumption, support utility allocation, assist with budgeting, and provide data that may help identify unusual usage patterns.
Many existing buildings can accommodate electrical submetering systems, although feasibility depends on electrical infrastructure, panel configuration, accessibility, and project goals.
Modern electrical submeters are designed to provide accurate usage measurement when properly installed, configured, and maintained. Accuracy specifications vary by manufacturer and model.
Gas System
Gas submetering measures gas consumption at the individual unit, tenant, or designated area level within a property. This allows gas usage to be tracked separately rather than only at the building level.
Gas submeters can provide greater visibility into gas consumption, support utility cost allocation, and improve transparency regarding individual usage.
In many cases, yes. Installation feasibility depends on the property’s gas infrastructure, accessibility, and overall system design.
Yes. Gas submetering may be used in a variety of commercial, mixed-use, and multi-tenant environments depending on project requirements.
Meter Technology
Available technologies vary by utility type and project requirements. Options may include water, electrical, and gas metering systems with different communication and reporting capabilities.
Many modern submetering systems support remote meter reading and automated data collection, depending on system design.
AMR systems automatically collect meter data and transmit it for reporting and billing purposes, reducing the need for manual meter reading.
Some systems support cloud-based monitoring and reporting platforms. Available options depend on the selected technology.
Certain metering systems offer wireless communication capabilities. Availability depends on project requirements and site conditions.
Billing
Yes. Sub Meter Hawai‘i offers utility billing services designed to help property owners and managers manage submeter data and utility cost allocation.
Billing frequency varies by property and service agreement. Monthly billing is common, although other arrangements may be available depending on project requirements.
Bill formats vary, but utility statements may include usage information, billing period details, meter readings, and applicable charges.
Individual billing is intended to reflect actual measured usage rather than broad allocation methods.
Billing questions should be addressed according to the property’s billing procedures and policies.
Meter performance can be evaluated and investigated if concerns arise.
Available reporting features depend on the metering system and service configuration.
Clear usage data and transparent billing information may help reduce misunderstandings regarding utility charges.
Maintenance
Like other building infrastructure systems, submeters and associated communication equipment may benefit from periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance to support long-term reliability and accuracy.
Preventative maintenance may help identify issues before they affect system performance and can support long-term reliability.
The appropriate response depends on the system configuration and cause of the issue. Sub Meter Hawai‘i can assist with troubleshooting, diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance services.
Yes. Maintenance plans are available for qualifying systems and may include inspections, communication verification, troubleshooting support, and other services.
Services may include equipment inspection, communication verification, system review, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation, depending on the maintenance plan selected.
Inspection frequency depends on system type, equipment, building conditions, and operational needs.
Coverage depends on the maintenance plan and circumstances surrounding the equipment issue. Specific terms vary.
Maintenance agreements can help support system reliability, improve responsiveness when issues occur, and simplify long-term system management.
AOAO & Property Manager
AOAOs may explore submetering to improve utility visibility, support fair utility allocation, encourage conservation, and provide more detailed utility data for operational decision-making.
Resident response varies by property. Clear communication regarding project goals, billing methodology, and anticipated benefits can help support successful implementation.
Property values are influenced by many factors. Submetering may contribute to operational efficiencies and utility transparency, but impacts on value vary by property and market conditions.
The level of disruption depends on the building, utility type, and installation scope. Sub Meter Hawai‘i works with clients to plan projects and minimize disruption whenever possible.
Engineer & Architect
Including submetering during design may simplify installation, improve future utility visibility, and provide owners with greater operational flexibility.
Yes. Sub Meter Hawai‘i can collaborate with engineers, architects, developers, and project teams regarding submetering system requirements and implementation strategies.
Yes. Submetering systems are commonly incorporated into new construction projects.
Project-specific support may be available. Contact Sub Meter Hawai‘i to discuss design and specification needs.
Developer
Developers may choose submetering to provide utility visibility, support future utility allocation, and offer owners additional operational flexibility.
In many cases, incorporating submetering during initial construction may be more straightforward than retrofitting a completed building.
Many owners value the additional utility data and operational visibility that submetering systems can provide over the life of a property.
New Construction
Many developers, engineers, and owners consider submetering during design because installation may be simpler and more cost-effective when incorporated into the original construction process.
Yes. Sub Meter Hawai‘i can work with project teams during planning, design, specification, installation, and commissioning phases.
Project support services vary depending on project scope and requirements. Contact Sub Meter Hawai‘i to discuss project-specific needs.
Retrofit
A retrofit involves installing submeters in an existing building that was not originally designed with individual utility metering.
Many older condominiums can be retrofitted, although feasibility depends on existing infrastructure, accessibility, and project goals.
Most retrofit projects are completed while buildings remain occupied. Project-specific requirements vary.
Project timelines vary significantly based on building size, system type, infrastructure conditions, and project scope.
A professional site evaluation is typically the best way to determine feasibility and identify available options.
Hawaii-Specific
Many Hawai‘i properties face high utility costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing pressure to manage resources efficiently. Submetering can provide greater visibility into utility usage and support informed decision-making.
Service availability may vary depending on project location and scope. Contact Sub Meter Hawai‘i to discuss your property’s needs.
Yes. Sub Meter Hawai‘i can discuss project options, answer questions, and help stakeholders understand available submetering solutions.
Yes. Property owners, boards, managers, developers, engineers, and architects can request a consultation or site evaluation to discuss project opportunities.
Financing
Financing options may be available for qualifying projects. Availability depends on project scope, property characteristics, and other factors. Contact Sub Meter Hawai‘i for current financing information.
Choosing a Submetering Company
Property owners should evaluate factors such as:
• Experience
• Responsiveness
• Service capabilities
• Maintenance support
• Billing options
• Local availability
• Long-term partnership approach
• Experience
• Responsiveness
• Service capabilities
• Maintenance support
• Billing options
• Local availability
• Long-term partnership approach
Local support may allow for faster communication, easier coordination, and more responsive service when issues arise.
No. Sub Meter Hawai‘i offers equipment, installation, billing services, maintenance plans, and ongoing support.
Sub Meter Hawai‘i is a locally based, full-service submetering company focused on providing equipment, installation, billing services, maintenance, and ongoing support for Hawai‘i properties.