Are you tired of confusing utility bills or searching for an easier way to manage your apartment’s water, gas, or electric charges? I’ve been there too! As a property resident who’s navigated the sometimes-confusing world of submetering, I wanted to create this guide to help others understand submeter solutions and make bill payments simpler.
What Exactly is Submetering?
Before diving into bill pay options, let’s clear up what submetering actually is Submetering is a system where individual units in multi-unit buildings have their own meters to track utility usage (water, electricity, gas) Instead of splitting costs evenly among residents, you pay for exactly what you use – fair and square!
Submeter Solutions is one of the companies providing these services to property managers and residents across the country. They’ve been in business for 24 years and currently manage over 100,000 meters across more than 2,000 properties.
Why Your Building Uses Submetering
You might wonder why your building uses this system. Here’s why it makes sense
- Fairness – You only pay for what you actually use
- Conservation – When people see their actual usage, they tend to conserve more
- Cost control – Property managers can better manage utility expenses
- Environmental benefits – Reduced overall consumption helps our planet
How to Pay Your Submeter Bill
Now. let’s get to the part you’re probably most interested in – how to actually pay your bill! Depending on which submetering company your property uses. the process may vary slightly. but here are the main options
Online Payment Portal Options
Most submeter companies offer online portals where you can view and pay your bills. Here’s how to access some of the common ones:
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Resident Portal Login – If your property uses Starnik’s UtilityTrakR system, you’ll need to visit their resident portal at https://www.starnik.net/UtilityTrakR/UT5/Current/RP_Default.aspx
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Submeter Solutions Resident Login – For properties managed by Submeter Solutions powered by PEM, you can access your account through their Resident Login at https://submetersolutions.com/
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Guest Paylink – Some systems offer a guest payment option that doesn’t require login credentials if you just need to make a quick payment
Creating Your Account
If you’re a new resident, you’ll typically need to create an account first:
- Visit the appropriate portal for your property
- Look for “Sign Up” or “New User? Sign up now” option
- Follow the prompts to create your username and password
- You may need your account number from your bill or move-in documents
- Once registered, you can login anytime to view usage and pay bills
Payment Methods
Most submeter solutions accept several payment methods:
- Credit/debit cards
- Electronic checks (ACH)
- Automatic recurring payments
- One-time payments
What If You Forget Your Login Info?
Don’t worry – it happens to the best of us! Most portals have:
- “Forgot Password?” option
- “Forgot Username?” link
- Customer service contact for additional help
Understanding Your Submeter Bill
Those submeter bills can sometimes be confusing, so let’s break down what you’re likely to see:
| Bill Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Meter Reading | Your actual usage for the period |
| Rate | Cost per unit (kWh, gallon, etc.) |
| Service Charge | Administrative fee for billing service |
| Due Date | When payment must be received |
| Account Number | Your unique identifier (needed for payments) |
Common Questions About Submeter Bill Payments
When are bills typically due?
Bills are usually generated monthly after meters are read. The due date is typically 15-25 days after the bill is issued, but this can vary by property.
What happens if I’m late on my payment?
Late fees may apply if you don’t pay by the due date. These fees vary by company and sometimes by state regulations. Some properties may include utility charges in your lease terms, meaning non-payment could potentially affect your tenancy.
Can I dispute a bill if I think it’s wrong?
Absolutely! If you notice unusually high usage or think there’s an error, contact customer service right away. Most companies have procedures for investigating possible meter issues or billing errors.
Are there any ways to save money on my utility bills?
Yes! Since you’re paying for actual usage, conservation directly benefits your wallet. Try:
- Fixing leaky faucets immediately
- Installing low-flow showerheads
- Using energy-efficient appliances
- Being mindful of heating/cooling usage
- Turning off lights and electronics when not in use
Benefits of Online Bill Pay for Submeter Solutions
I’ve found several advantages to using online bill pay systems for my submeter charges:
- Convenience – Pay anytime, anywhere (even at 2am in your pajamas!)
- History tracking – Review past bills and usage patterns
- Paperless option – Save trees with electronic statements
- Automatic payments – Never worry about forgetting again
- Immediate confirmation – Get peace of mind with payment receipts
What If Your Property Uses RUBS Instead?
Some properties use RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) rather than actual submeters. With RUBS, utility costs are divided among tenants based on factors like unit size or occupancy rather than actual metered usage. The payment process is generally similar, but your bill will be calculated differently.
When to Contact Customer Service
While online portals handle most needs, sometimes you need human help. Consider contacting customer service if:
- You notice unusually high usage
- Your meter appears damaged
- You can’t access your online account
- You need payment arrangements
- You have questions about charges
Most submeter companies offer phone support during business hours and email options for off-hours assistance.
Special Considerations for Different Utilities
Each utility type has its own considerations when it comes to submetering:
Water Submetering
- Often measures both hot and cold water separately
- May include sewage charges
- Can quickly identify leaks through usage monitoring
Electric Submetering
- Usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh)
- May have different rates for peak/off-peak usage
- Can help identify energy-hungry appliances
Gas Submetering
- Typically measured in therms or cubic feet
- Often used primarily for heating and cooking
- Usage patterns change seasonally
Industry Changes Worth Noting
The submetering industry continues to evolve. Recent developments include:
- Pioneer Energy Management (PEM) acquired Submeter Solutions in February 2025
- PEM also announced strategic partnerships with National Utility Group and The BillingAssociates Group in August 2025
- Many companies are improving their online portals for easier resident access
The Future of Utility Management in Multi-Unit Properties
The trend toward submetering is growing stronger as property owners seek ways to fairly allocate costs and promote conservation. Some exciting developments on the horizon include:
- Smart meters with real-time usage monitoring
- Mobile apps with usage alerts
- Integration with smart home systems
- Enhanced analytics for identifying savings opportunities
Final Thoughts
Navigating submeter solutions for bill payment doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right information and resources, you can easily manage your utility costs and potentially save money through conservation.
Remember that submetering is ultimately designed to create a fairer system where you only pay for what you use. The online payment systems make it convenient to stay on top of your bills while also monitoring your usage patterns.
Have you found other helpful ways to manage your submeter bills? Or maybe you’ve discovered great conservation techniques that lowered your utility costs? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Useful Resources
Before you go, here’s a quick reference guide to the most common submeter bill payment portals:
- Resident Portal Login (Starnik UtilityTrakR): https://www.starnik.net/UtilityTrakR/UT5/Current/RP_Default.aspx
- Submeter Solutions Resident Login: https://submetersolutions.com/
- California Submeter Pay My Bill: https://www.calsubmeter.com/pay-my-bill/
By taking advantage of these online resources and understanding your billing system, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your utility expenses efficiently!
Does NES Provide Billing & Collection Services?
Partner with a trusted Utility Management company that has the experience and capabilities to handle the largest of projects.
NES doesnt outsource. When you call NES, you speak to a human.
NES provides online tools for managers and residents as well as a variety of payment methods. Residents can receive their water bill in their email.
What is Utility Bill Pay?
