Wisconsin Submetering Laws

Wisconsin allows landlords and property managers to install submetering systems and bill residents for individualized utility usage.

Residential water, wastewater, electric and gas submetering are all allowed in Wisconsin. RUBS billing is permitted for water and gas charges, but largely prohibited for electricity. Non-transient multifamily buildings and mobile home parks built since March 1, 1980 are required to utilize electric submeters.

From the Wisconsin State Legislature’s PSC 113.0803:

Each dwelling in a multi-dwelling unit residential building and mobile home park constructed after March 1, 1980, shall have installed a separate electric meter for each such dwelling unit. Dwelling unit means a structure or that part of a structure which is used or intended to be used as a home, residence or a sleeping place by one or more persons maintaining a common household and shall exclude transient multi-dwelling buildings and mobile home parks: for example, hotels, motels, campgrounds, hospitals, community-based residential facilities, residential care apartment complexes or similar facilities, nursing homes, college dormitories, fraternities, and sororities.

If you have questions about submetering or RUBS in Wisconsin, contact us for information about your specific situation.

Starting Submetering in Wisconsin

It’s easy to implement submetering at multifamily buildings and other property types in Wisconsin. It’s typically best to contact a utility billing and consulting firm like Synergy to ensure 100% compliance and effectiveness.

Submeters, with individual meters for each unit, can be used in existing buildings or new construction in Wisconsin. RUBS billing, which divides utility costs according to an industry-accepted formula, is also possible, though not for electricity.

Steps to Implement Submetering in Wisconsin

Implementing submetering and outsourcing multifamily utility billing is a surprisingly quick process.

• First contact a utility billing specialist like Synergy. You can also request a quick quote on our website.
• We’ll hold an introductory call. If it’s a fit, we’ll then review the site in person (if necessary).
• Our consultants will determine the best mix of service offerings and technology for you, and deliver a formal proposal.
• We then work with industry-leading installers to install submeters and ensure everything is working correctly.
• We handle all aspects of meter reading, resident billing and collections on your behalf.

Utility submetering and outsourced utility billing in Wisconsin can be implemented in as little as a few weeks, at no net cost to the property owner or manager.