Submetering has become essential for managing utilities more effectively, a trend we see in different parts of the world. The reason is simple – it allows property owners to precisely measure and monitor water, electricity, and gas usage for individual units. Industrial sectors are increasingly adopting submetering practices due to the significant savings it can provide.
As 2024 comes to an end, we want to look ahead at what 2025 will bring to submetering. Existing technologies are set to evolve further, showcasing advancements and greater capabilities for property owners, construction developers, commercial buildings, and governmental institutions. Let’s dive deeper into the submetering trends we foresee for 2025.
The Global Market Insights report highlights significant innovation and growth in the global smart water meter market, driven by advancements in IoT technology and a stronger focus on water conservation. Innovations include the integration of smart meters and sensors for real-time monitoring, enabling utilities to detect leaks promptly and manage water distribution more efficiently. These advancements have resulted in the growing adoption of smart meters, which offer accurate data collection and analysis capabilities to facilitate better water management strategies.
“Ultrasonic water meters are drastically changing the water metering industry, and more and more companies see the advantage of choosing these meters,” says Igor Poliscuk, CEO at Mainlink. “Smart water meters are far more advanced than mechanical meters. Their capabilities to precisely track water consumption, immediately identify water leaks, and provide robust devices with long-lasting lifecycles offer a sustainable way to run a business for property owners managing multifamily homes, single-family houses, RV parks, commercial buildings and other property types”, continues Igor Poliscuk.
IoT sensors for leak detection, remote shut-off valves, and pressure monitoring seamlessly integrate into water metering systems, providing substantial additional value for businesses. These advanced sensors equip property managers with actionable data, real-time alerts, and automation capabilities, enabling a reactive approach to water management. Overall, these technologies enhance submetering solutions by promoting water conservation, streamlining business operations, and elevating customer satisfaction. As a result, they have become indispensable tools for modern property management and utility systems.
AI technology is becoming more affordable and accessible, allowing many different organizations to use it for submetering. As this trend gains momentum, it promises to make submetering systems indispensable tools for efficient resource management. Mantas Morkunas, Technical Team Lead at Mainlink, emphasized, “AI will not only enhance consumption predictions but also play a pivotal role in preventive maintenance and troubleshooting, making water management smarter and more reliable than ever before.”
AI-powered algorithms are becoming integral, analyzing consumption patterns, detecting anomalies such as leaks, and offering predictive maintenance solutions. By recognizing patterns in historical data, AI can forecast potential system failures, enabling proactive interventions that lower costs and prevent downtime. Additionally, AI-driven insights support tenants in making conscious decisions about their water usage, fostering conservation efforts and helping meet regulatory sustainability goals.
In 2025, artificial intelligence and machine learning will enable more accurate data predictions and calculations, resulting in faster issue resolution. We believe this precision in data will lead to smarter decisions, more effective business operations, and more sustainable work practices.
The increasing adoption of submetering in multifamily and other properties reflects tenants’ desire to see their individual water consumption and pay for what they actually use, rather than sharing costs based on master meter data.
“As a multi-tenant billing solution, we anticipate a significant increase in the adoption of submetering systems in residential spaces next year. It’s the most optimal way to protect, support, and improve the area’s waterway and habitat. In fact, some buildings can experience a 90% reduction in water leaks. Needless to say, how much it decreases residents’ bills!” comments Senior Product Owner Olga Penkova at Maxbill, modern billing solutions provider.
AI technology will also improve billing processes by providing more accurate data on water consumption. This ties closely to tenants’ billing, ensuring greater transparency and accuracy. Given the speed of AI adoption seen in 2024, there could be even more drastic changes ahead. “AI-driven billing is on the way. It will transform the way utilities serve clients. Besides this, we aim to help utilities maintain a low-cost operations model, creating a win-win for businesses and customers alike,” says Roni Rechter, AI Project Manager at Maxbill.
Mobile applications have become essential tools for smart water metering. For residents, apps provide transparency and raise awareness about daily water usage, fostering sustainable habits.
For property managers, mobile apps simplify the installation process. With a simple scan, meters can be activated, checked for data transmission, and confirmed as operational from day one.
Additionally, integrations with third-party systems will expand, leading to faster information access, more efficient operations, and better decision-making. These integrations will drive the submetering industry toward even greater efficiency in 2025.
New laws and policies are encouraging more sustainable and efficient practices. For example, states like California and North Carolina mandate submetering in multifamily buildings to promote fair billing and resource conservation.
Data privacy is another regulatory focus. As smart IoT devices collect and transmit vast amounts of data, protecting this information has become crucial. Data protection laws require utility companies and property managers to implement encryption and other security measures to safeguard sensitive information against cyber threats.
Incentives and rebates also play a key role in driving submetering adoption. Many states in North America offer financial incentives for property owners who install energy-efficient meters.
So overall, regulations continue to evolve, making it important for property owners to stay informed and adapt to any changes to ensure compliance with modern submetering standards
To sum up, the key trends shaping water submetering in 2025 include ultrasonic water meters, IoT sensors, AI and machine learning, application integrations, and evolving regulations. Smart water metering technologies are rapidly advancing with goals of greater accuracy, efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.
The benefits are clear for property owners and residents alike: accurate billing, water conservation, leak detection, and damage prevention – all leading to cost savings and operational efficiency. Discover how Mainlink’s next-generation smart water metering solutions align with these trends to help you save time, reduce costs, and ensure efficient resource management.