national multiple family submetering and allocation billing program ...

3. Owner/postcard survey: To identify “impact” 2 properties in each utility, owner surveys
were developed, tested and implemented to all eligible properties in each utility. This survey
was necessary because in most cases there was no independent source of information about
what properties use the various billing systems in any utility service area, and the study did
not want to rely on information supplied solely from the billing companies, many of whom
could not share their client lists in any case. In order to avoid a fatal bias in the study group
selection, postcards were sent to all owners of multi-family properties listed in the water
providers billing databases. The responses from this survey were used to identify the impact
properties.
4. Database development: All data collected in this study including historic water billing
records and survey response data were stored in a customized Microsoft Access database.
5. Manager survey: To obtain detailed information about properties identified in the
owner/postcard survey, a survey was developed, tested and sent to managers of impacted and
in-rent properties.
6. Regulatory and policy review: To evaluate the administrative and regulatory issues
surrounding third party billing programs throughout the country, surveys were sent to various
potential regulators in all 50 states and to more than 100 of the largest water and wastewater
utilities. Additionally a detailed policy literature review was conducted.
7. Matched pair selection and site visits: Study team utilized the results from the manager
survey to make statistically similar pair matches for site visits and comparison. A site visit
protocol was developed and the study team worked with participating utilities to conduct site
visits.
8. Resident survey: To solicit resident opinions and experiences with different billing methods,
a survey instrument was developed, tested, and sent to residents using addresses provided on
the manager survey. Some residents also provided copies of their water and wastewater bills
sent by various read and bill companies or owners.
9. Read and bill company survey: To obtain information about billing practices and policies a
survey was sent to 36 third party billing companies.
10. Statistical analysis and modeling: Once the data collection and analysis was complete, the
2 Impact properties – multi-family properties billing separately for water and/or wastewater services using RUBS,
submetering, hot water hybrid, or other methods.
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