national multiple family submetering and allocation billing program ...

Hot Water Hybrid Sample Bills
Two sample hot water hybrid water bill are presented below. One of the fundamental
problems with both HWH bills presented below is that no method or explanation is provided for
how total water use is calculated from hot water use. The actual commodity charges for hot
water shown on these bills are substantially higher than utility water charges, so it was presumed
that the rate was intended to reflect hot and cold water usage. However, no explanation for this
calculation could be found.
Hot water hybrid water bill #1 shown in Figure 4.22 is from billing company #5. Pros:
Total amount due is shown prominently. Meter readings and consumption for hot water is
shown. Billing period is shown. Customer service information is featured prominently on back
of bill. Service fees and meter fees are clearly distinguished. Cons: Service type listed is
“Submetered water service.” While partially true, this does not give information to the customer
that only the hot water usage is actually metered. Commodity charge for hot water ($9.82/kgal)
is substantially higher than the utility rate for water and it is assumed this charge was designed to
encapsulate cold water usage as well. No explanation or methodology for determining cold
water use is provided on the bill. Utility water and wastewater rates are not shown so there is no
way for the customer to determine if commodity charges have been inflated.
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