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RUBS Billing Method for Apartments in Austin, Texas

Last reviewed by NES Editorial · September 2026

RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System), called allocated billing in Texas, divides a property's master utility bill among residents by a set formula. Here is how it works in Austin.

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RUBS stands for Ratio Utility Billing System, a formula that divides a property’s master utility bill among residents. NES sets up RUBS for apartment communities, condominiums, and mobile home parks across Austin and the Austin area, and where RUBS is not the right fit we install submetering instead, all handled in-house since 1968.

Yes. RUBS billing is allowed in Austin, Texas.

Texas calls it allocated billing and sets the formula and disclosures, and NES handles it for you.

How RUBS works
  • Fair allocation formula

    RUBS divides the property's master utility bill among units by occupancy, square footage, or a blend that fits the property.

  • No submeters required

    RUBS works in older buildings where meters cannot be added, so it is fast and low cost to start.

  • Capped at the master bill

    Residents are billed only for their share, never more than the property's actual utility cost, and the bill is itemized.

Rules & compliance

Is RUBS billing allowed in Austin?

Governing rule: 16 TAC Ch. 24, Subch. I (allocated billing) · PUCT

Texas RUBS rules

  • RUBS is allowed in Texas, where it is called allocated billing, under Public Utility Commission of Texas rules in 16 TAC Chapter 24, Subchapter I
  • Water and wastewater can be allocated by an occupancy formula, or by a formula that is no more than 50% based on square footage
  • Owners must register with the PUCT and disclose the method, and the total billed cannot exceed the utility's charge
  • Each bill must show the calculation and the charges for the period
  • Where exact, per-unit billing is the goal, submetering is the alternative

RUBS in Austin

  • RUBS, or allocated billing, is allowed in Austin under the PUCT rules in 16 TAC Chapter 24
  • Water, electric, and other services in the city are provided by Austin Energy and Austin Water, the municipal utilities
  • Owners register with the PUCT, disclose the method, and cannot bill more than the utility charge
  • For exact, per-unit billing, submetering is available as an alternative, and NES installs and bills either way
  • NES verifies the rules for your exact address before we start

Official sources: Public Utility Commission of Texas · PUCT Tenant Guide to Allocated Service

General information only, not legal advice; NES assumes no liability for reliance. Confirm current rules with the PUCT or a qualified attorney.

RUBS vs submetering: which fits Austin?

RUBS estimates each unit's share with a formula. Submetering measures each unit's actual use with a meter. RUBS is faster and lower cost to start and works where meters cannot be added; submetering is more precise and is required in some places. NES does both and will recommend the one that fits your property and the local rules.

Compare submetering

Submetering in nearby Texas cities

NES installs and runs submetering across Texas. See the rules and results for other communities we serve.

Common questions

RUBS billing in Austin

RUBS stands for Ratio Utility Billing System. It divides a property's master utility bill among residents using a fair formula, usually based on the number of occupants, the unit's square footage, or a blend of both. No submeters are required, which makes it a fast, low-cost way to stop absorbing utility costs. NES sets up the formula, sends resident bills, and supports residents in-house.

See what your Austin property can recover.

Send us your master-meter bills and unit count. We’ll model RUBS or submetering on your actual property and reply within one business day with a clear, no-obligation estimate.

  • No-obligation custom proposal
  • Compliance check included
  • RUBS or submetering, your choice
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