Comparing Submetering Companies
Last reviewed September 2026NES Editorial, checked by the Billing & Compliance team
A short list of submetering companies serve the U.S. market, so knowing what to compare saves you from a costly mismatch.
How do I compare submetering companies?
Compare submetering companies on what will shape years of service, not the sales pitch. Track record comes first, because an inexperienced provider learns on your property. Then money: get installation, billing, meter replacement, and software fees in writing, and ask what is not included. Check ownership, read the Google reviews, and ask for referrals you can actually call. On equipment, confirm the company is an authorized reseller, offers both WiFi and cellular options, and warranties meters you own outright. On service, look for an in-house support center, vacant cost recovery, and integrations with your rent roll and accounting software. NES has done this work since 1968, stays privately owned, and bills thousands of units monthly across more than 43 states.
The market and what sets companies apart
Only a handful of submetering companies operate at scale in the United States, and they differ more than they look. The gaps show up in pricing transparency, support quality, equipment ownership, and compliance, which is why a structured comparison beats picking on price alone.
Twelve things to check before you sign
- Company history: verify the track record so you do not end up training an inexperienced provider on your property
- Pricing: get installation, billing, meter replacement, and software fees upfront, and confirm there are no hidden costs
- Private or public: publicly held utility billing companies can be limited in their capabilities
- Customer reviews: read the Google reviews from current clients
- Referrals: ask for a few properties you can call about their experience
- Authorized reseller: confirm the company is an authorized reseller of the meters you are buying
- WiFi and cellular: ask upfront whether it offers both, since your property may require either
- Warranties: ask whether equipment you purchase is covered, and for how long
- Vacant recovery: verify the company offers vacant cost recovery services
- Customer service: confirm there is an in-house support center residents can reach
- Payments: compare the online resident and manager portals and the payment options
- Integrations: verify the company connects to your rent roll and accounting software
Ask about cost and payback while you compare
Installation usually runs a few hundred dollars per unit for labor and equipment, with the exact figure depending on the property layout. Most properties earn back the cost in 12 to 18 months, and some sooner. Any company you are comparing should be willing to put those numbers in writing for your specific property before you sign.
Where NES fits in the comparison
NES is privately owned, provides submetering in more than 43 states, and focuses on properties with 80 or more multifamily units. It uses nonproprietary meters you own, offers extended warranties on submeters, runs an in-house bilingual support team, and has a compliance team that verifies state and county regulations. The president and owner manages the team directly and serves as a voluntary board member of the Utility Management and Conservation Association.
Related questions
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