A key difference between metering and submetering is that in metering, costs are determined on the basis of consumption measured with calibrated meters, whereas in submetering, consumption-based costs are allocated or distributed to the respective users within a billing unit using calibrated meters and/or (non-calibrated) recording devices. In the case of submetering, a consumption-independent share is distributed to the users, usually on a pro rata basis.

Another difference is that with metering, the service provider bills the service recipient directly, whereas with submetering, the costs are passed on to the users by the building owner or manager as part of the utility bill.

Author: Dr.-Ing. Bernd Ritter (Engelmann Sensor GmbH), September 2019