Which Submeter Is Best?
Last reviewed September 2026NES Editorial, checked by the Billing & Compliance team
The best submeter is dependable hardware that you own and that is not locked to one company's software.
Which submeter is best for my property?
The best submeter is one that is dependable, so you spend less on repairs over time, and nonproprietary, so you are not tied to a single billing company. Some providers sell meters that only work with their own software, which traps you if you ever want to switch. NES only uses dependable, nonproprietary equipment and is an authorized dealer for the top brands, including Badger, Cereniti, MasterMeter, Neptune, NextCentury, Norgas, Sensus, Inovonics, and Leviton. NES installs the meters, monitors them, reads them daily, and bills residents monthly. The right brand depends on the utility and the property, which is why NES matches the hardware to your site rather than pushing one product.
Why nonproprietary matters most
A meter that only talks to one company's software ties your hardware to your billing contract. If service slips, you are stuck. Nonproprietary meters separate the two, so you can change billing providers without replacing equipment. That single choice protects you for years.
Brands NES installs and services
- Badger, Cereniti, MasterMeter, and Neptune
- NextCentury, Norgas, Sensus, Inovonics, and Leviton
- Authorized dealer for the top equipment
- Meters you own, backed by a warranty
Five things to compare before you buy
- Accuracy and reliability: the meter exists to measure usage correctly, and cheap meters fail far sooner than established brands
- Compatibility: it must connect to your existing plumbing or wiring and fit the physical space available
- Ease of install and service: batteries and parts should be reachable without tearing anything apart
- Cost over the meter's life: judge total trouble-free years, not the sticker price
- Features: daily monitoring, alerts, and reporting that help you manage usage and catch leaks
What happens after the meter goes in
Dependable hardware pays off in the operation. NES installs the meters, monitors them, reads them every day, and bills each resident monthly for exact usage. Once residents pay for their own use, consumption drops, typically 15 to 30 percent for water, and the install usually pays for itself in 12 to 18 months. Good equipment also keeps repair costs down for years afterward, which is the quiet half of the return.
Related questions
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