Submetering in Washington DC
Last reviewed by NES Editorial · September 2026
D.C. does not allow private gas or electric submeters, so NES bills those by allocation and submeters water. Here is how it works.
Washington, D.C. does not allow private gas or electric submeters, so NES submeters water and bills gas and electric by a disclosed allocation formula, which D.C. law permits. Residents still pay for what they use, and the owner stops absorbing the master-meter bill. NES has handled the meters, the reads, and the resident billing in-house since 1968.
From an NES case study at a 337-unit apartment community once about half of residents were submetered. Results vary by property.
Properties NES submeters in Washington, D.C.
- Apartment communities
- Condominiums
- Townhomes
- Mobile home parks
- Student housing
Submetering laws and rules in Washington, D.C.
- Private residential submeters for gas and electric are not allowed in Washington, D.C., so owners bill those utilities by allocation
- With allocation billing, the owner divides the master-meter bill among units by a disclosed formula and bills for the same period as the utility (DC PSC rules, DCMR Title 15, Chapter 44)
- Each bill must show the readings or units, the average cost per unit, the amount due, and a contact for questions
- All utility billing and fees must be disclosed clearly under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act
Local rules can vary by city and county, and some cities set their own requirements, which NES verifies for your exact address.
Official sources: DC Public Service Commission · DCMR Title 15, Chapter 44 (Master-Metered Apartment Buildings)
General information only, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia or a qualified attorney.
Submetering in Washington, D.C.
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