Submetering allows property owners to measure individual unit consumption of utilities such as water, gas, and electricity, promoting fairness and encouraging conservation. The following sections detail state-specific submetering regulations.

States with Mandatory Submetering Regulations

California

California requires submetering for new multifamily residential buildings starting from January 1, 2018. The California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 20 Section 1606 outlines the accuracy standards and installation guidelines for water submeters. Additionally, the California Plumbing Code provides detailed installation requirements. For new multifamily constructions, submetering must be implemented to ensure accurate utility billing.

Georgia

The 2010 Water Stewardship Act in Georgia mandates submetering for new multi-unit residential buildings and certain retail and light industrial buildings with construction permits granted after July 1, 2012. This act requires that tenants in these new buildings are charged for water and wastewater use based on their measured usage. Additionally, some municipalities, such as DeKalb County, have specific requirements for submetering in multi-unit residential buildings constructed after certain dates.

New York

New York has stringent submetering regulations, especially in New York City. Local Law 88 mandates that buildings over 50,000 square feet and any tenant space over 10,000 square feet must install submeters by January 1, 2025. These regulations ensure that tenants are billed based on actual utility usage, promoting energy efficiency and accountability.

North Carolina

North Carolina requires submetering for all utilities once submeters are installed and approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). The regulation mandates that properties with submeters must bill based on actual usage and cannot revert to estimated billing for more than three months. This ensures ongoing accuracy and fairness in utility billing, maintaining transparency and trust between property owners and tenants.

Washington

In Washington, submetering for hot water is mandatory in multifamily buildings to ensure accurate billing for hot water usage, promoting water conservation and fair billing practices. The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-290-496 provides detailed guidelines on the installation and maintenance of hot water submeters, ensuring that these devices are installed correctly and maintained for optimal performance.

Maryland

Maryland requires submetering for gas and electricity in residential units within apartment houses, office buildings, or shopping centers. The regulations ensure that utility costs are allocated fairly among tenants based on their actual usage. Submetering must be approved by the local housing authority, and the regulations are designed to promote transparency and fairness in utility billing.

Indiana

In Indiana, submetering equipment can be installed in rented or leased units to fairly allocate electrical consumption costs. The regulations ensure that tenants are billed accurately based on their actual kilowatt-hour usage, including all applicable taxes and charges. This helps promote fair billing practices and energy conservation.

Maine

Maine allows submetering in campgrounds and for electric vehicle charging stations. The regulations ensure that campground owners charge submeter users only for their actual kilowatt-hour usage, promoting transparency and fairness in utility billing. This is particularly important for seasonal or temporary submetering applications.

States Encouraging or Practicing Submetering

Arizona

Arizona encourages submetering for water and other utilities, particularly in new multifamily developments. Property owners should consult local regulations for specific requirements.

Florida

Florida promotes submetering to encourage water conservation and ensure accurate billing. The Florida Public Service Commission provides guidelines for submetering practices, though it is not mandated statewide.

Texas

Texas does not have statewide mandatory submetering regulations; however, many municipalities encourage or require submetering for new developments. Property owners should verify specific requirements with local ordinances to ensure compliance.

Tennessee

Tennessee does not have mandatory submetering regulations. However, it is recommended for new developments to ensure fair utility billing and promote conservation.

Colorado

Colorado does not have a statewide mandate but encourages submetering as a best practice for utility management, particularly in new multifamily developments.

Nevada

Nevada encourages the use of submetering to promote water conservation and accurate utility billing, especially in areas with limited water resources.

Other States

While not all states have specific submetering mandates, submetering is widely recognized as a best practice for promoting conservation and fair utility billing. Property owners and managers in other states should consult local regulations and consider submetering as a valuable tool for utility management.

Conclusion

Understanding and complying with submetering regulations is essential for property owners and managers. By staying informed and compliant, property owners can ensure accurate utility billing and contribute to resource conservation.

For more detailed information on submetering regulations and compliance requirements in your state, contact your local regulatory body or consult with a submetering expert.

Additional Resources

Here are regulatory bodies that oversee submetering regulations in key states:

• California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC): Website | Phone: 1-800-848-5580
  Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC): Website | Phone: 1-800-342-3552
  Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC): Website | Phone: 1-800-282-5813
  North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC): Website | Phone: 919-733-7328
  New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC): Website | Phone: 1-800-342-3377
  Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC): Website | Phone: 1-888-782-8477
  Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC): Website | Phone: 1-888-333-9882

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