Utility management involves a variety of tasks, including conducting comprehensive bills audits before processing them, resolving bill errors and ensuring that correct amounts are paid on time. It also includes tracking and analyzing cost and consumption data to uncover areas of opportunity for energy-efficiency improvements that can save an organization money.
One of the most important skills for a utility manager is attention to detail. This is especially true when dealing with the water supply, as a small error can result in contaminated drinking water. It’s also necessary for utility managers to keep up with the latest technology and equipment, as they may need to install new water treatment systems or use advanced utility scheduling software to maximize usage.
How to structure utilities for rentals
As a landlord, you will need to decide whether or not you want to cover the costs of utilities and pass them on to tenants, or whether you prefer to include utilities in the rent price. Having utilities included in the rent price can be beneficial for many landlords, as it helps keep the rent competitive and attractive to tenants. However, there are some drawbacks to this strategy. Some tenants are prone to overusing, and the landlord may be responsible for paying high bills if this occurs.
Having the utilities in the tenant’s name can also delay moves-in, as they must wait on average two days to transfer the utilities into their name. Additionally, the process can be more complicated if there are utility service spikes, as some providers raise rates during peak times when many people are using their appliances and devices. utility management