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RUBS Billing Method for Apartments in Indianapolis, Indiana

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. Here is how it works in Indianapolis and what the rules require.

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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 Indianapolis and the Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, Indiana.

The total cannot exceed the master bill, owners cannot profit, 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 Indianapolis?

Governing rule: IURC sub-billing rules · Indiana URC

Indiana RUBS rules

  • RUBS is allowed in Indiana for water and sewer, and a landlord who sub-bills is not treated as a public utility; the rules are silent on electric and gas allocation, so the lease governs there
  • The total charges billed to residents cannot be more than the master utility bill, and owners cannot profit, only pass through the cost
  • For water and sewer, allowed fees include a setup fee and an administrative fee of no more than $4 per month, while fees are not allowed for electricity
  • Each sub-bill must show the formula or readings, the charges, the due date, and a billing contact, with at least 17 days to pay
  • Where exact, per-unit billing is the goal, submetering is the alternative

RUBS in Indianapolis

  • RUBS billing is allowed in Indianapolis for water and sewer, with the total never exceeding the master utility bill
  • Water and gas are provided by Citizens Energy Group, and electricity by AES Indiana
  • Water and sewer billing can include an administrative fee of up to $4 per month, with no fees on electricity
  • Each sub-bill shows the calculation and gives residents at least 17 days to pay
  • For exact, per-unit billing, submetering is the alternative, and NES installs and bills either way

Official sources: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission · IURC Sub-billing for Landlords

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

RUBS vs submetering: which fits Indianapolis?

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 Indiana cities

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

Common questions

RUBS billing in Indianapolis

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 Indianapolis 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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