The Submetering Industry, and How to Pick a Company
Last reviewed September 2026NES Editorial, checked by the Billing & Compliance team
The field is small and tightly regulated, so the company you choose matters more than you might think.
What should I look for in a submetering company?
The submetering industry in the US is small. A handful of large companies handle big portfolios, and many tiny shops run with one to three people. Because metering and ratio or formula-based billing are heavily regulated, the company you pick needs to keep tracking compliance for your properties after the install, instead of putting in meters and walking away. When comparing companies, check their history and reviews, get pricing upfront for install, billing, meter replacement, and software with no hidden fees, and confirm they are an authorized reseller of the meters you want. Ask about WiFi and cellular options, equipment warranties, vacant unit recovery, in-house customer service, an online payment portal, and whether they integrate with your rent roll and accounting software. NES has been privately owned since 1968 and bills thousands of units every month across more than 43 states.
What the industry looks like
There are only a handful of large submetering companies in the country and a long tail of very small operators. Both metering and ratio or formula-based billing sit under rules that change by state and county, so compliance is not optional. A company that does not keep up with those rules can expose you to liability. That is why size and staffing matter when you choose a partner.
Questions to ask before you sign
- How long have you been in business, and can I see reviews and references?
- What is the full price for install, billing, meter replacement, and software?
- Are you an authorized reseller of the meters I want, with warranties?
- Do you offer WiFi and cellular, vacant recovery, and in-house support, and integrate with my rent roll and accounting software?
Related questions
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