Campus is alive with the end-of-year buzz. Students are cramming for finals, and student housing teams are gearing up for the Turn season hustle. As move-outs mark the start of summer, just a blink later, move-ins will be upon us. Here come the bright-eyed optimists, straddling the line between adolescence and adulthood, settling into on-campus dorm rooms and apartments. They’re about to learn to master the art of laundry sorting and navigate the unofficial curriculum of utility bills—a true crash course in Adulting 101.
The 2024-2025 academic year is setting up to be a landmark in student housing, as incoming students are securing their spots at an unprecedented rate. According to Multi-Housing News, preleasing for on-campus housing has skyrocketed by an impressive 23% compared to the figures from 2022. With more brains to enlighten and dorm rooms to power, the task of managing an escalating volume of utility bills is intensifying. But fear not, there’s a solution to tackle this utility management pop quiz: managed-utilities submetering.
What is Submetering?
Submetering is a precise method of tracking utility usage by installing individual meters in each student unit. This technology enables property managers to bill residents based on actual consumption, eliminating the guesswork and unfair cost splits of traditional utility billing systems. As an innovative leap forward from the common Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS), submetering aligns directly with the needs of modern student housing management.
The Benefits of Submetering
Adopting submetering will transform the operational dynamics of your properties:
Why the Slow Adoption in Student Housing?
Despite its advantages, the integration of submetering in student housing has been gradual. Initial investments, complexity in billing systems, and the challenge of retrofitting existing buildings are significant hurdles. However, the strategic implementation of submetering technology not only modernizes properties but also significantly enhances their operational efficiency and market value.
Conservice at the Helm: Navigating the Complexities of Utility Management in Student Housing
Conservice brings a nuanced understanding and expert management to submetering and student housing utility management. We’re trusted by 80% of the top 25 student housing owners and operators across the United States. Our focus is on optimizing recovery processes and managing utilities so you can concentrate on leasing and enhancing the resident experience.
How We Streamline Your Submetering & Utility Management
- Installation and Management: We oversee the installation and management of your submeters.
- Data Data Data: Our systems accurately measure utility use, ensuring precise billing.
- Efficient Operations: We manage every detail of utility billing, from setup to final processing, smoothly coordinating move-ins and move-outs.
- Bill Processing: We handle all aspects of bill collection and processing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Direct Billing & Customer Support: Students are billed directly through our user-friendly portal, simplifying the payment process. Dedicated Support: Our dedicated support team is your right hand for managing the living experience for students.
Your Role? Sit back and relax. On average, properties managed by Conservice see a 10-15% annual reduction in utility costs.
Submetering transcends traditional metering technologies by serving as a strategic asset that markedly improves operational efficiency, sustainability, and the financial performance of student housing properties. With growing recognition of its advantages, the adoption of submetering is expected to expand, further transforming the landscape of utility management in the industry.
To learn how Conservice can help you streamline your utility management and maximize your investment in student housing, contact your Utility Expert, Jennifer Love.
Want more Student Housing resources? Check out our free eBook, “Beyond Power: Expanding Your Student Housing Utility Program Footprint.”
Subscribe To Our Blog Newsletter
Keep yourself ahead of the curve with the latest utility news, trends, & resources.
Editor's Picks
Retain Residents Longer with Transparent, Fair Utility Billing
Improve resident retention with transparent utility billing. Build trust, increase resident satisfaction, reduce disputes, and support lease renewals with fair billing practices.
Power in Partnership: Building a Real Estate Tech Ecosystem That Works
More tech doesn’t always mean a better resident experience. The true potential lies not in individual tools, but in how they work together. From internet to access control, smart home tech to resident experience platforms, properties rely on a growing…
2026 Building Performance Standards Compliance by City
Stay ahead of 2026 building performance standards like Local Law 97. Track city deadlines, understand penalties, upgrade properties, and take action to stay compliant.
Good Data In, Good Data Out: The Key To Turn Season
It’s that time of year again for student housing. Move-outs are piling up nearly as fast as move-ins and student housing operators and property teams have just a few short weeks to get it all sorted before the next wave…
Improving Resident Experience Through Connectivity: 4 Reasons Bulk Internet Actually Works
Multifamily owners and operators are rethinking how connectivity is delivered. Bulk internet programs are becoming an increasingly valuable solution.
Conflict in Iran Affects Utility Costs
The situation in Iran is already having measurable economic effects. While much of the attention has focused on geopolitical implications, the financial impact on consumers is becoming increasingly clear. At the time of this publication, U.S. consumers have absorbed an…
A Practical Way to Prioritize Climate Risk Across Your Portfolio [Rent at Risk: Part 3]
Climate risk analysis produces a long list of exposures across assets and markets, but it does not always produce a clear path forward. How should you leverage and prioritize available data?
Utility University: March 2026
Utility costs are rising but this isn’t just another temporary spike. From increasing energy demand to the growing role of internet as essential infrastructure, the utility landscape is evolving fast. Here’s what property teams need to know to stay ahead.
The ROAD to Housing Act: What It Means for Supply, Renters, and Operators
The Senate passed the ROAD to Housing Act on March 12 with an 89-10 vote. That kind of margin is rare, especially for something as complex as housing policy. On paper, that kind of support should signal momentum. In reality, it highlights something more interesting.
What 650 Property Audits Revealed About Utility Rate Misalignment
Most utility bills are treated as a given. They arrive, they’re processed, and they’re paid. In some cases, they’re allocated or passed through to residents, but structurally, they are rarely questioned. Utilities tend to sit in the category of “fixed”…
Experience Effortless Utility Management and Cost Savings
Connect with us today to discover how our solutions can ease tenant billback, streamline utility management, and reduce your costs and energy usage. Make your utility management smarter and more efficient with Conservice!
