Electric Submetering

Many residents of apartments, mobile home parks or RV parks are billed for electric service by their complex and not the local electric utility. Submetering sometimes puts the electric company in the middle of disputes between their customer (the complex or park owner) and tenants. Electric utilities can prevent these incidents by advising submetering customers of their rights and responsibilities.

Public Utility Commission (PUC) Substantive Rule 25.142* outlines these rights and responsibilities. RV park owners are also governed by Texas Utility Code Section 184.033.

Rental agreements for apartments and mobile home parks must include information on submetering as well as a copy of Substantive Rule 25.142* relating to utility submetering. Thirteen months of billing information must also be available for tenant review upon request. Complex owners must provide billing information. Utility companies are not required to provide this information to their customers’ tenants.

A bill issued by a submetered facility must include due dates, meter readings, the rate and the total amount due. A complex cannot add any extra fees, such as postage or administrative charges, to an electric bill.

The monthly rate per kilowatt-hour is determined by dividing the complex’s total bill by the total number of kilowatt-hours used. Electric usage for common areas cannot be included on your bill. Complexes may not profit from submetering, but late fees and reconnection fees are allowed if in the lease agreement.

Complaints about submetered service must be investigated by the complex within 30 days. If tenants cannot resolve the problem with the complex, they should contact the PUC.

Learning More About Submetering (pdf*)

Last Updated: 10/01/04

* PDF files require the use of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Down load a free copy here.