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Submeters help measure energy, water, or gas use in shared properties. They help with accurate tenant billing and resource management. Without submeters, energy use is harder to track and leads to wasted energy. Need to cut costs? They offer real-time tracking, usage data, and alerts for leaks. Read on for a complete guide and more benefits of submetering. 

What Is a Submeter?

First, here’s a basic definition of a submeter before we get into the details. On a basic level, it is a device used to measure energy, water, or gas usage for units within a larger property. It provides precise and real-time data that helps tenants and property managers monitor usage and allocate costs. They help with efficiency and resource management.

Types of Submeters

Types of submeters include water, electric, gas, and thermal meters. They monitor areas or equipment for energy usage. Let’s take a closer look.

Water Submeters

Water submeters measure individual water usage within a property. This allows you to track consumption by unit or by tenant, for conservation efforts and accurate billing.

Electricity Submeters

These submeters measure the energy consumption for specific areas or devices, so you have more precise monitoring. They help with energy management and power quality analysis by identifying inefficiencies and improving reliability. Choose sustainability through their actionable insights.

Gas Submeters

Measuring individual gas usage within a building or a property by tracking flow rates, they provide precise consumption data. For accurate billing, energy management, and identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and cost savings for your property.

Smart/Digital Submeters

Smart/digital submeters monitor usage by collecting real-time data on consumption and power quality. They analyze the data to find inefficiencies, so you can reduce waste and increase your system’s reliability with advanced AI-driven solutions.

How Does A Submeter Work

how does submeter work

So how does it work? The submeter is installed downstream of the main utility meter to monitor specific areas, equipment, or tenants within a building. It measures voltage or current, depending on the type it is, and calculates the energy use in real time. By isolating data, it identifies energy trends, inefficiencies, and individual usage.

Benefits of Using a Submeter

We covered what a submeter is, the different types and how it works. Let’s review some of the benefits of submetering like savings and sustainability.

Cost savings for building owners and tenants 

Cut costs by pinpointing energy waste and lowering peak demand charges, which can make up to 50% of a utility bill. With advanced tools like our energy management solutions, you can improve efficiency and take actions to reduce costs—like grading circuits for power quality risks.

Improved energy/water management 

Spot waste and inefficiencies with submetering, then make smarter decisions that save money and resources. By monitoring water usage, you prevent overuse and optimize every drop. Also identify costly peak demand periods, so you can adjust usage.

Regulatory compliance and sustainability 

Meet the environmental standards and avoid compliance issues with our AI-powered tools. Pinpoint energy inefficiencies then take steps to minimize waste, reducing your carbon footprint. Access clear insights to make smarter energy choices cutting costs, and contributing to a greener, safer environment.

Where Are Submeters Used?

Is submetering a good choice for you? Take a look at some of the applications and see where you fit.

Apartment Buildings 

Submetering for apartments tracks individual tenant energy usage, for accurate and fair billing. They help identify energy inefficiencies, for cost savings and sustainability. Our energy management solutions enhance this process, improving efficiency and reliability while supporting tenants and building management.

Commercial Office Spaces 

In commercial office spaces, submeters track energy usage for specific tenants, equipment, or areas. For example, they monitor HVAC systems, lighting, or individual floors. They help to identify inefficiencies and improve overall energy management for increased sustainability and cost savings.

Multi-Tenant Retail Spaces 

For these spaces, they help monitor individual energy usage for each tenant, for billing and to encourage energy conservation. As an example, they measure electricity consumption in separate stores or restaurants within a shopping mall.

Industrial Facilities 

Submeters in industrial facilities track energy usage for individual machines, departments, or processes, helping identify inefficiencies and reduce waste. For example, they monitor peak demand charges and optimize power quality. Electro Industries’ solutions enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability through intelligent energy analysis.

Submeter Installation Process

With what we’ve covered already, you are now ready for the next step. Here’s some information on what to expect with the installation process.

Step-by-step installation process 

We first turn off the power supply. We mount the submeter securely near the panel, then connect input wires to the main circuit breaker, and attach load wires to the submeter. We double-check connections and restore power to complete installation.

Choosing the right submeter for your needs 

Selecting the right submeter requires understanding your energy monitoring needs, including power quality, usage patterns, and system efficiency. We can help you through this process and help you find the best tools and energy management system for your situation.

Potential installation challenges or mistakes to avoid 

When installing your submeter, we check for proper wiring connections, select the correct meter for the application, and verify compatibility with existing systems. This avoids inaccurate placements and insufficient calibration, since these can affect performance and reliability of your setup.

Submetering Regulations and Compliance

Important to keep in mind submetering regulations. These regulations ensure fair energy usage billing and encourage efficiency. In New York, submetering laws require clear tenant consent, accurate meters, and compliance with Public Service Commission (PSC) standards. For example, multifamily properties must seek PSC approval before installation and provide tenant protections, like clear billing and dispute resolution options.

Costs and ROI of Submetering

Submetering systems may have an upfront installation cost, but they are a cost-effective investment with long-term energy savings. Regular maintenance costs are manageable and will help accurate energy tracking. Get in touch for a more accurate estimate for your specific situation.

By reducing energy waste and improving power quality, submetering delivers significant ROI through decreased utility bills and optimized energy usage. Leveraging intelligent analysis, your business can address peak demand charges, which can constitute up to 50% of energy expenses.

Submeter vs Electric Metering: What’s the Difference? 

We are often asked this question. Submetering and electric metering serve different purposes. An electric meter measures the total energy consumption of an entire building or facility. It’s typically used for billing by utility companies. Submeters, however, monitor energy usage within specific areas, tenants, or equipment inside a building. It provides detailed insights for energy management, cost allocation, and to identify inefficiencies, as we’ve discussed.

How to Choose the Right Submeter

Let’s review how to choose the right submeter. Most important step is to assess your facility’s energy usage patterns, size, and power quality needs. When you are managing a tenant billing or want to identify inefficiencies in energy-intensive operations, it’s time to connect with us. Based on your energy usage patterns, we will present you will different submeter options.

Conclusion

We help this information has helped with your understanding of submetering. If you have more questions like how to read a submeter or how to choose from our solutions and services, we are more than happy to discuss and cover any and all things of submetering. Reach out and let’s discuss.

Frequently Asked Questions about Submeters

Q1. What maintenance does a submeter need?

Ans: Submeters require periodic maintenance for the best performance. This could include routine inspections, cleaning, and updates, if applicable. It’s also good to check connections and wear. A calibration maintenance might be needed if recommended by the manufacturer to maintain accuracy.  

Q2. Can I install a submeter myself?

Ans: Installing a submeter typically requires knowledge of electrical systems and local codes, so we’ll do it for you! While it may be possible for those with experience, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional for ensure safety, compliance, and proper functionality.  

Q3. Will a submeter affect my utility bill?

Ans: Good question. A submeter itself does not change your utility bill. However, by providing detailed energy usage data, it can help you identify inefficiencies and make smarter energy decisions. This could lead to reduced consumption and potentially lower your utility costs.  

Q4. How accurate are submeters?

Ans: Submeters are highly accurate when installed, and maintained, properly. Some models are designed to meet strict industry standards, so they have reliable and precise measurements. Regular calibration and upkeep will further enhance performance and accuracy over time.