Am I locked into NES if I install their meters?

No. The equipment is nonproprietary and you own it, so you can switch billing providers later if you choose.

Submetering 101

Submetering Electric for Apartments

Last reviewed September 2026NES Editorial, checked by the Billing & Compliance team

Individual electric meters measure each unit's power so residents are billed for exactly what they use.

Quick answer

What is electric submetering for apartments?

Electric submetering is the installation of an individual electric meter for each unit, placed between the building's main utility meter and the unit. It measures the exact power that unit consumes so the resident is billed for their own usage instead of an average. NES installs the meters, monitors them, reads them daily, and bills residents every month for their exact use. This is one of the most effective ways to hold off large rent increases caused by rising utility costs, because the property no longer absorbs residents' power use. Submetering also helps surface unusual usage and keeps common-area electric measured and billed correctly. NES serves multifamily and commercial properties with 80 or more units across over 43 states, and most installs pay back in 12 to 18 months.

Why metering beats raising rent

When electric costs rise and the property covers them, the only way to recoup is higher rent, which residents notice and resist. Metering each unit shifts the usage charge to the resident who created it, so you protect the budget without touching base rent.

What you get with NES electric metering

Individual meters reading exact per-unit usage
Common-area electric measured and billed accurately
Nonproprietary equipment you own
Monthly billing and daily monitoring handled by NES

Thinking about submetering your property?

NES installs the meters, reads them, and bills your residents, in-house since 1968. Send your property details for a free, no-obligation estimate.

(800) 572-7060

Prefer a form? Open the quote page.

Common questions