104. Submetering in the United States Multi-Family Marketplace

Submetering of utilities in multi-housing developments is a relatively young industry in the United States. Prior to the mid-1970s, most multi-housing projects were constructed under the master meter concept for utilities. Relatively inexpensive energy provided multi-family developers and owner/operators little incentive to try and capture utility services consumed at the apartment level. Since prices were low and relatively stable, utility services were simply included in the rent structure.