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RUBS Billing Method for Apartments in Charlotte, North Carolina

Last reviewed by NES Editorial · September 2026

RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) divides a property's master utility bill among residents by a fair formula. In North Carolina it is not allowed, so here is what the rules require and the alternative NES uses.

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RUBS stands for Ratio Utility Billing System, a formula that divides a property’s master utility bill among residents. In Charlotte, RUBS is not allowed, so submetering, which measures each unit’s actual use, is the compliant way to bill residents. NES installs and operates submetering for apartment communities, condominiums, and mobile home parks across Charlotte and the Charlotte area, all in-house since 1968.

RUBS billing is not allowed in Charlotte.

North Carolina requires billing on actual submetered usage, so submetering is the compliant path, and NES installs and bills it for you.

See submetering for Charlotte
Why submetering in Charlotte
  • Measures actual use

    Submetering puts a meter on each unit and bills residents for exactly what they use.

  • Compliant in Charlotte

    Where RUBS is not allowed, submetering is the path that meets the local rules.

  • NES handles it end to end

    NES installs the submeters, reads them, pays the master-meter bill, and bills your residents in-house.

Rules & compliance

Is RUBS billing allowed in Charlotte?

Governing rule: NCUC Rule R18-6 (water resale) · NCUC

North Carolina RUBS rules

  • RUBS and other allocation or ratio billing methods are not allowed in North Carolina
  • The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) requires residents to be billed on their actual submetered usage
  • An owner who resells water and sewer must hold a certificate of authority and bill measured use, with the administrative fee capped at $3.75 per unit per month (NCUC Rule R18-6)
  • Electric submetering is allowed in North Carolina, with residents billed for their measured use and the administrative fee capped at the maximum the commission allows
  • Submetering is the compliant way to bill residents in North Carolina, and NES installs and bills it for you

RUBS in Charlotte

  • RUBS billing is not allowed in Charlotte or anywhere in North Carolina
  • The North Carolina Utilities Commission requires billing on actual submetered usage
  • Water and sewer are provided by Charlotte Water, and electricity by Duke Energy
  • Submetering is the compliant way to bill residents, with the administrative fee capped at $3.75 per unit per month
  • NES installs the submeters, reads them, and bills your residents

Official sources: North Carolina Utilities Commission · NCUC Water Resale

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

Submetering is the path in Charlotte

RUBS is not allowed in Charlotte, so submetering is the compliant way to bill residents. Submetering measures each unit's actual use with a meter. NES installs the submeters, reads them, pays the master-meter bill, and bills your residents in-house.

See submetering in Charlotte

Submetering in nearby North Carolina cities

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

Common questions

RUBS billing in Charlotte

RUBS stands for Ratio Utility Billing System, a formula that divides a property's master utility bill among residents. It is not allowed everywhere, and where it is prohibited, submetering is used instead to bill residents for their actual use.

See what your Charlotte property can recover.

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

  • No-obligation custom proposal
  • Compliance check included
  • Submetering install and billing
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