RUBS | Ratio Utility Billing Systems by Oates Energy
Reduce Utility Costs Without a Significant Investment!
Ratio utility billing is a widely used solution for apartment and condominium communities, mobile home parks, and other multifamily properties that do not have individual utility submeters installed. In cases where the cost of submetering installation is impractical or not financially feasible, ratio utility billing (commonly known as RUBS) offers a fair and efficient way to allocate utility expenses among residents using a standardized formula.
RUBS works by distributing the property’s total utility costs based on logical, legally compliant factors like the number of occupants per unit, square footage, number of bathrooms, or a combination of these. These formulas are tailored to comply with applicable state and local regulations, which may allow for small administrative fees or the inclusion of common area utility usage. However, it’s important to note that substantial markups for profit are not permitted under any jurisdiction.
At Oates Energy, we bring extensive experience in developing and managing ratio utility billing systems across the United States. Our team works closely with property managers and owners to create RUBS formulas that are fair, transparent, and tailored to the unique characteristics of each community. We ensure compliance with local laws, while also helping residents gain more awareness and control over their utility usage, often leading to reduced consumption and increased conservation.
In addition to promoting fairness and efficiency, a well-structured ratio utility billing program can significantly improve utility cost recovery and enhance a property’s financial performance. Whether you manage a property with a single utility master meter or are exploring RUBS as an alternative to submetering, Oates Energy can design and implement a solution that meets your goals and supports your residents.
RUBS | Ratio Utility Billing Systems by Oates Energy
Reduce Utility Costs Without a Significant Investment!
Ratio utility billing is a widely used solution for apartment and condominium communities, mobile home parks, and other multifamily properties that do not have individual utility submeters installed. In cases where the cost of submetering installation is impractical or not financially feasible, ratio utility billing (commonly known as RUBS) offers a fair and efficient way to allocate utility expenses among residents using a standardized formula.
RUBS works by distributing the property’s total utility costs based on logical, legally compliant factors like the number of occupants per unit, square footage, number of bathrooms, or a combination of these. These formulas are tailored to comply with applicable state and local regulations, which may allow for small administrative fees or the inclusion of common area utility usage. However, it’s important to note that substantial markups for profit are not permitted under any jurisdiction.
At Oates Energy, we bring extensive experience in developing and managing ratio utility billing systems across the United States. Our team works closely with property managers and owners to create RUBS formulas that are fair, transparent, and tailored to the unique characteristics of each community. We ensure compliance with local laws, while also helping residents gain more awareness and control over their utility usage, often leading to reduced consumption and increased conservation.
In addition to promoting fairness and efficiency, a well-structured ratio utility billing program can significantly improve utility cost recovery and enhance a property’s financial performance. Whether you manage a property with a single utility master meter or are exploring RUBS as an alternative to submetering, Oates Energy can design and implement a solution that meets your goals and supports your residents.
What is a Ratio Utility Billing System Formula Based On?
A ratio utility billing system formula can be comprised of a number of different factors depending on your preferences and your state and local laws. Below are a few of the factors that we have used to customize RUBS formulas for other multifamily communities and commercial properties:
A RUBS formula that factors in the number of resident occupants, the square footage of the residence and other factors offer multifamily communities a fair and reasonable way to logically allocate utility usage costs among the members of the community.
A ratio utility billing system formula can be comprised of a number of different factors depending on your preferences and your state and local laws. Below are a few of the factors that we have used to customize RUBS formulas for other multifamily communities and commercial properties:
A RUBS formula that factors in the number of resident occupants, the square footage of the residence and other factors offer multifamily communities a fair and reasonable way to logically allocate utility usage costs among the members of the community.
Does RUBS Promote Conservation?
When it comes to reducing utility usage, ratio utility billing (RUBS) has been proven to be highly effective. According to studies conducted by the National Apartment Association (NAA) and the National Multi-Housing Council (NMHC), any billing method that gives residents some control over their utility expenses will positively impact overall consumption. Even without individual submeters, RUBS can significantly encourage conservation.
While submetering offers precise tracking of individual usage, ratio utility billing still provides a meaningful incentive for residents and tenants to reduce waste. By allocating utility costs based on factors such as unit size, number of occupants, or number of plumbing fixtures, RUBS encourages everyone to be more mindful of how much they consume, knowing that their habits directly influence their portion of the shared utility bill. In fact, studies have shown that when properties switch from fixed utility charges (bundled with rent or HOA fees) to a RUBS model, overall water usage drops by 6% to 27%.
One of the most compelling advantages of ratio utility billing is that it requires no major capital investment. Unlike submetering, which involves purchasing and installing hardware, RUBS can be implemented quickly and affordably, making it an ideal solution for communities where submetering isn’t feasible.
If your property currently includes utilities in a flat monthly charge or bundles them into rental fees, it may be time to explore the benefits of RUBS. At Oates Energy, we specialize in designing ratio utility billing systems that are compliant with state and local regulations, fair to residents, and effective in promoting conservation. Our solutions help properties recover actual utility costs accurately while improving cash flow and operational efficiency.
Contact us at (800) 717-9811 or submit an inquiry with our contact form below to schedule a free review of your current utility billing practices. Let Oates Energy show you how a tailored RUBS solution can reduce consumption, increase recovery, and enhance your community’s overall performance.
When it comes to reducing utility usage, ratio utility billing (RUBS) has been proven to be highly effective. According to studies conducted by the National Apartment Association (NAA) and the National Multi-Housing Council (NMHC), any billing method that gives residents some control over their utility expenses will positively impact overall consumption. Even without individual submeters, RUBS can significantly encourage conservation.
While submetering offers precise tracking of individual usage, ratio utility billing still provides a meaningful incentive for residents and tenants to reduce waste. By allocating utility costs based on factors such as unit size, number of occupants, or number of plumbing fixtures, RUBS encourages everyone to be more mindful of how much they consume, knowing that their habits directly influence their portion of the shared utility bill. In fact, studies have shown that when properties switch from fixed utility charges (bundled with rent or HOA fees) to a RUBS model, overall water usage drops by 6% to 27%.
One of the most compelling advantages of ratio utility billing is that it requires no major capital investment. Unlike submetering, which involves purchasing and installing hardware, RUBS can be implemented quickly and affordably, making it an ideal solution for communities where submetering isn’t feasible.
If your property currently includes utilities in a flat monthly charge or bundles them into rental fees, it may be time to explore the benefits of RUBS. At Oates Energy, we specialize in designing ratio utility billing systems that are compliant with state and local regulations, fair to residents, and effective in promoting conservation. Our solutions help properties recover actual utility costs accurately while improving cash flow and operational efficiency.
Contact us at (800) 717-9811 or submit an inquiry with our contact form below to schedule a free review of your current utility billing practices. Let Oates Energy show you how a tailored RUBS solution can reduce consumption, increase recovery, and enhance your community’s overall performance.
Is A Ratio Utility Billing System Right for Our Community?
If your community is currently including utility costs with rent or charging residents a monthly fixed utility fee, Oates Energy can help in a number of ways. RUBS almost always reduces overall usage and promotes conservation that lowers overall utility costs. A RUBS formula will also more fairly allocate utility costs among residents. A single rental tenant would no longer pay the same amount as a family of four for water and sewer. And our utility billing solutions will also eliminate the huge monthly tasks associated to utility billing. And if you like, we can even provide billing customer care for your residents using your unique policies and guidelines. Speak with us about a customized utility billing solution for your community or property. We can be reached at (800) 717-9811 or feel free to use the form at the bottom of this page.
If your community is currently including utility costs with rent or charging residents a monthly fixed utility fee, Oates Energy can help in a number of ways. RUBS almost always reduces overall usage and promotes conservation that lowers overall utility costs. A RUBS formula will also more fairly allocate utility costs among residents. A single rental tenant would no longer pay the same amount as a family of four for water and sewer. And our utility billing solutions will also eliminate the huge monthly tasks associated to utility billing. And if you like, we can even provide billing customer care for your residents using your unique policies and guidelines. Speak with us about a customized utility billing solution for your community or property. We can be reached at (800) 717-9811 or feel free to use the form at the bottom of this page.
Which Utilities Can We Help You With?
Select “Billing” or “Submetering” under a Utility to Learn More about Our Customizable Solutions
Providing Water, Electric and Gas Utility Billing and Submetering in 46 States
Oates Energy provides water, electric and gas utility submetering and billing solutions across the United States in 46 states. Contact us to learn how our flexible submetering and billing solutions can help your properties operate more efficiently and increase your bottom line.
Select your state to learn more!
Oates Energy provides water, electric and gas utility submetering and billing solutions across the United States in 46 states. Contact us to learn how our flexible submetering and billing solutions can help your properties operate more efficiently and increase your bottom line.
Select your state to learn more!
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Request A Quote
If you manage or own any type of multifamily or condominium community or building, mobile home park or commercial property and would like to recover more of your utility costs, we can certainly help!
(800) 717-9811
Or, use this form to request a quote and we’ll contact you in 24 to 48 hours.
Request A Quote
If you manage or own any type of multifamily or condominium community or building, mobile home park or commercial property and would like to recover more of your utility costs, we can certainly help!
(800) 717-9811
Or, use this form to request a quote and we’ll contact you in 24 to 48 hours.