--- title: "Best Utility Billing Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Utility Billing Software for your organization. Compare top Utility Billing Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/utility-billing/" page_type: "category" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Utility Billing Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Utility Billing Software of 2026 Updated October 26, 2026 ## Utility Billing FAQs Software Advice advisors had 36 conversations with buyers about Utility Billing software between March 2025 and July 2026. These are the questions that came up most. - How do I choose the right Utility Billing software for my business? Choosing the right utility billing software starts with matching its billing and payment features to the specific services and rate structures the business supports. When speaking with our advisors, buyers often prioritize strong support for meter-based billing, complex rates, and the ability to track payments and accounts receivable in one system. Integration with existing accounting software, like QuickBooks Online, is a key must-have to avoid manual entry and errors. Buyers frequently mention concerns about outdated tools, product discontinuation, and slow support, so it's important to check the vendor’s track record and ongoing development before deciding. Pricing most often falls between $71 and $225 per month, with one-time setup fees usually between $3,500 and $5,000. - What is the best Utility Billing software for a small to mid-size business? There is no single utility billing tool that fits every small or mid-size business, but in advisor calls, buyers most often look for software that handles meter-based billing, supports complex rate structures, and manages payments and accounts receivable in one place. A common requirement is strong integration with accounting or financial systems to avoid double entry and improve financial reporting. Buyers frequently mention friction with outdated tools, discontinued products, or forced migrations, so ongoing product support and active development are also key considerations. Many teams also weigh how reliably the tool posts payments, generates bills, and responds to customer support requests. Answer based on 27 advisor calls - What should businesses watch out for when choosing Utility Billing software? When choosing utility billing software, buyers should watch for gaps in billing complexity support, integration limits, and risks tied to vendor stability, based on advisor calls. Small businesses make up most buyers in this space, and many ask about cloud-based options, though some do not specify a deployment type. Buyers in utilities and government administration frequently need advanced utility billing features and should check that the system handles complex rate structures and meter-based billing. It is also important to confirm the system can connect with existing accounting tools, since weak integration and manual data entry are common challenges. Some buyers mention sudden product discontinuation or forced migrations, so understanding the vendor's development plans and support approach before purchase can help avoid disruption. Answer based on 33 advisor calls - What are common complaints about Utility Billing software? According to our advisors, buyers frequently mention overall dissatisfaction with their current utility billing software, often pointing to outdated tools or limited features. A common pain point is having to switch systems after a product is discontinued or support ends. Many buyers are still handling billing with spreadsheets or manual steps, which they find slow and error-prone. Missing support for complex rate structures and meter-based billing comes up regularly, especially for utilities with varied customer needs. Buyers also report frustration with unresponsive customer support and slow product updates. Errors in payment posting or bill generation, along with weak integration to accounting or financial reporting systems, are other recurring concerns in advisor calls. Answer based on 30 advisor calls - What should I look for when comparing Utility Billing software options? When comparing utility billing software, buyers frequently tell our advisors that they look for options that handle meter-based billing, support complex rate structures, and allow easy bill creation and payment processing for services like water, electricity, gas, and sewage. Teams often check for features such as accounts receivable tracking, online payment acceptance, and smooth invoice management. Many buyers want to move away from manual or spreadsheet-based processes and mention friction with tools that lack integration with existing accounting or financial systems. A common consideration is the vendor’s track record for product updates and support, as buyers frequently mention concerns about outdated systems, product discontinuation, or unresponsive customer service. Answer based on 33 advisor calls - Can Utility Billing software integrate with other platforms used in the business? Yes, utility billing software can often connect to QuickBooks Online, which is the main integration buyers we've talked to request. Many users make this a priority so billing data flows into their accounting records without manual entry. Answer based on 8 advisor calls - How does Utility Billing software handle its core workflows and key processes? During advisor calls, buyers describe utility billing software as handling meter readings, usage tracking, bill creation, payment processing, and accounts receivable in one system. Buyers frequently mention wanting to manage water, electricity, gas, and sewage billing for both standard and complex rate structures, but a common sticking point is limited support for unusual rates or meter-based billing. Many buyers look to move away from manual spreadsheets, as they want automatic bill generation, online payment options, and easier payment posting. Some buyers report trouble with integration to accounting or financial reporting tools, and payment or bill errors can be a pain point for those using legacy systems. Answer based on 33 advisor calls - How much does Utility Billing software cost? Most teams pay a flat monthly price for utility billing tools, with buyers our advisors talk to most often quoted between $71 and $225 per month. The median monthly fee sits at $100. Many buyers also encounter a one-time setup fee, which usually falls between $3,500 and $5,000, with a median of $3,800. Flat monthly pricing is the most common model discussed in advisor calls. Answer based on 18 advisor calls - What features should Utility Billing software include? The features buyers most often ask about for utility billing software are ways to measure, collect, and manage billing for water, electricity, gas, sewage, and other utilities. Advisor-call conversations show that users frequently look for systems that handle bill payment, billing and invoicing, payment processing, tracking accounts receivable, and accepting online payments. Answer based on 28 advisor calls - What is Utility Billing software and what does it do? Utility Billing software is used to handle customer accounts and billing tasks for services like water, sewer, gas, electric, and waste management. Based on advisor-call conversations, a common theme in these conversations is that buyers want the software to track usage, generate and send bills, process payments (including online payments), and manage accounts receivable. These systems help teams measure utility use, collect payments, and keep customer records organized. Answer based on 28 advisor calls On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide 3. Frequently Asked Questions 4. Related Software Filter products 71 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 71 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Tridens Monetization](/accounting/tridens-monetization-profile/) - Overall rating: 5.0/5 - Reviews: 28 - Starting price: $500.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Tridens Monetization enables service providers to quickly launch innovative digital subscription and usage-based services that differentiate against competitors, develop recurring [Read more](/accounting/tridens-monetization-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Payment Processing: 5/5 - Enrollments/Onboarding: 5/5 - Billing Portal: 5/5 - Electronic Payments: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Invoice Management: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/tridens-monetization-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Rural Billing](/utility-billing/rural-billing-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 60 - Starting price: $2,850.00one time - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Rural Billing makes utility management simple, affordable, and stress-free. Designed for small to mid-sized utilities, it grows with your business while keeping billing easy to [Read more](/utility-billing/rural-billing-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customer Management: 5/5 - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Payment Collection: 5/5 - Penalty/Cut-Off Processing: 5/5 [See all features](/utility-billing/rural-billing-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $2,850.00one time [See full pricing details](/utility-billing/rural-billing-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ExpenseLogic](/product/456026-ExpenseLogic/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 31 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ExpenseLogic is a cloud-based expense management software that allows the accounts payable team to view invoices and expenses when logging in to the system. The invoices are [Read more](/product/456026-ExpenseLogic/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - Contract Negotiation: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Refund Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Procurement Management: 3/5 [See all features](/product/456026-ExpenseLogic/#key-features) --- ### [AMCS Utility Billing](/product/395259-AMCS-Utility-Billing/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 80 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AMCS Utility Billing is a cloud-based, full-featured, and affordable SaaS application for water, sewer, and electricity billing. Ideal for municipalities, private companies, and [Read more](/product/395259-AMCS-Utility-Billing/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 - Metered Billing: 5/5 - API: 5/5 [See all features](/product/395259-AMCS-Utility-Billing/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/product/395259-AMCS-Utility-Billing/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Muni-Link](/accounting/muni-link-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 59 - Starting price: $400.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Muni-Link is a cloud-based utility billing solution designed for utilities providers for municipal authorities, boroughs and cities to manage their payments, billing notices, [Read more](/accounting/muni-link-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 - Online Invoicing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Penalty/Cut-Off Processing: 3.5/5 - User Management: 3.5/5 - Non-Metered Billing: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/muni-link-profile/#key-features) --- ### [EnergyCAP](/utility-billing/energycap-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 132 - Starting price: $5,000.00/year - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview EnergyCAP’s comprehensive software platform has been empowering organizations to take full control of their energy data, optimize costs, and make data-driven decisions for over 40 [Read more](/utility-billing/energycap-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Benchmarking: 5/5 - Cost Tracking: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 4.8/5 - Historical Reporting: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - Real-Time Reporting: 4/5 - Load Management: 4/5 - Forecasting: 4/5 [See all features](/utility-billing/energycap-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Starnik](/utility-billing/utilitytrakr-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 8 - Starting price: $1.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OUR PROMISE Starnik is on a mission to make utility operations effortless. With more than 20 years of industry experience and over $4 billion transacted annually on our platform, [Read more](/utility-billing/utilitytrakr-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $1.00/month [See full pricing details](/utility-billing/utilitytrakr-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Expedite Commerce](/accounting/expedite-commerce-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 21 - Starting price: $90.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Expedite Commerce is a cloud-based Revenue Operations and Management platform that serves sophisticated businesses in SaaS, Manufacturing, XaaS (anything-as-a-service), IoT, [Read more](/accounting/expedite-commerce-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Payment Processing: 5/5 - Workflow Management: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - Subscription Plan Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/expedite-commerce-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### CPQ - Price: $90.00 - Starting at $90 USD per user per month. Minimums apply. Portal licenses are available at additional ##### QTC for XaaS - Price: $90.00/year - Manage complete buying journey for SaaS, XaaS, or IoT companies. Lets your team Sell Faster and ##### CPQ for Brands - Price: $110.00 - Starting at $110 USD per user per month. Minimums apply. Portal licenses are available at additional [See full pricing details](/accounting/expedite-commerce-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [MuniBilling](/utility-billing/munibilling-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 54 - Starting price: $1,200.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MuniBilling is a utility billing solution for governments and private utility providers. It offers features such as a customer portal, online payments and meter integration. The [Read more](/utility-billing/munibilling-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Penalty/Cut-Off Processing: 5/5 - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 - Online Payments: 5/5 [See all features](/utility-billing/munibilling-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Visual Intelligence Portfolio Suite](/utility-billing/visual-intelligence-portfolio-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 73 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Software Solutions VIP Suite public sector software was designed to manage public finances with easy and security. It runs on VIP Cloud, a platform that utilizes a trusted resource [Read more](/utility-billing/visual-intelligence-portfolio-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Email Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Rate Management: 5/5 [See all features](/utility-billing/visual-intelligence-portfolio-profile/#key-features) --- ### [JadeTrack](/cafm/jadetrack-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 11 - Starting price: $1,500.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview JadeTrack is a cloud-based energy management software that delivers real-time insights, data automation, and savings opportunities. Platform features include automated utility [Read more](/cafm/jadetrack-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Equipment Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Data: 5/5 [See all features](/cafm/jadetrack-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Ampstun](/utility-billing/ampstun-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 8 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Ampstun is a cloud-based utility billing system that enables users to switch to a complete paperless billing system, receive email & text alerts, create work orders and more. Users [Read more](/utility-billing/ampstun-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Metered Billing: 5/5 - Customer Management: 5/5 - Payment Collection: 5/5 [See all features](/utility-billing/ampstun-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Accu-Trax Office](/waste-management/accu-trax-office-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 5 - Starting price: $87.50/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Accu-Trax SERVICES Accu-Trax is the most advanced route event tracking, customer management, and billing software platform on the market. Integrating Office, Navigator, and [Read more](/waste-management/accu-trax-office-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 [See all features](/waste-management/accu-trax-office-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Invoiced](/accounting/invoiced-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 149 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Invoiced is a cloud-based accounting solution suitable for mid-market to enterprise-level businesses across a range of industry verticals. It offers an integrated suite with four [Read more](/accounting/invoiced-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Aging Tracking: 5/5 - Workflow Management: 5/5 - Partial Payments: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Overpayment Processing: 3.5/5 - Multi-Currency: 3.6/5 [See all features](/accounting/invoiced-profile/#key-features) --- ### [NovaVue](/utility-billing/novavue-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 4 - Starting price: $250.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview NovaVue is a cloud-based electrical, energy, and utility monitoring, analysis, reporting, and alarming solution. It is used by large energy critical facilities such as hospitals, [Read more](/utility-billing/novavue-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Performance Metrics: 5/5 - Equipment Management: 5/5 - Metered Billing: 5/5 [See all features](/utility-billing/novavue-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $250.00/month [See full pricing details](/utility-billing/novavue-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [SilverBlaze Customer Portal](/utility-management/capricorn-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 15 - Starting price: CA$20,000.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview The Silverblaze Customer Portal is a self-service web portal solution that integrates billing, online payments, customer history and consumption information into a single web [Read more](/utility-management/capricorn-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Workflow Automation: 5/5 - Customer Management: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - Customizable Forms: 5/5 [See all features](/utility-management/capricorn-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Submeter Billing](/utility-billing/submeter-billing-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 54 - Starting price: $100.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Submeter Billing is a cloud-based solution that helps businesses create tenant invoices and automate the reading of meters/ #### Features ##### Best rated features - Electronic Payments: 5/5 - Recurring/Subscription Billing: 5/5 - Automatic Backup: 5/5 - Online Payments: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Reports: 3/5 - Accounting: 4/5 [See all features](/utility-billing/submeter-billing-profile/#key-features) --- ### [ABIS](/manufacturing/adjutant-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 6 - Starting price: $0.01 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MetalEZ is an integrated hybrid enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business process management (BPM) solution from ABIS. Key features include approval tracking and processing, [Read more](/manufacturing/adjutant-profile/) --- ### [WAM Software](/waste-management/wam-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 16 - Starting price: $100.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview WAM Software is a waste management and public works software that helps private or government landfills, transfer stations and recycling centers manage routes, dispatching, truck [Read more](/waste-management/wam-software-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Scheduling: 5/5 - Customer Database: 5/5 - Routing: 5/5 - Waste Disposal: 5/5 [See all features](/waste-management/wam-software-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $100.00/month - WAM caters to many companies in the waste industry, but we understand every business is different. [See full pricing details](/waste-management/wam-software-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Sure](/product/467098-SURE/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 5 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sure is an end-to-end subscriber lifecycle management solution that helps streamline recurring billing processes, maximizing subscriber retention and driving revenue growth for [Read more](/product/467098-SURE/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Customizable Billing: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Self Service Portal: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 3/5 - Electronic Payments: 3.5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 3.5/5 - Refund Management: 4/5 [See all features](/product/467098-SURE/#key-features) --- ### [Banyon Utility Billing](/accounting/banyon-utility-billing-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 14 - Starting price: $2,295.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Banyon Utility Billing is easy-to-learn billing software for small public utilities, where one or two people often handle billing, payments, and customer calls. It is priced for [Read more](/accounting/banyon-utility-billing-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Penalty/Cut-Off Processing: 5/5 - Usage Tracking/Analytics: 5/5 - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Transaction History: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Meter Data Management: 3.7/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/banyon-utility-billing-profile/#key-features) --- ### [SMART360](/utility-billing/bynry-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: $1.39/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SMART360 is an Al-enabled Smart Utility Platform designed to meet the needs of small and mid-sized utilities. It is a unified platform for managing customer experience, work order [Read more](/utility-billing/bynry-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Fixed Asset Management: 5/5 - Historical Reporting: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Workflow Management: 5/5 [See all features](/utility-billing/bynry-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Smart Billing - Price: $1.39/month - The Pricing model is based on per month/ per meter ##### Smart WorkForce - Price: $1.59/month - The Pricing model is based on per month/ per meter ##### Smart Utility - Price: $1.99/month - The Pricing Model is based on per month/ per meter [See full pricing details](/utility-billing/bynry-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Simple Billing](/accounting/simple-billing-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: $499.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Simple Billing is a complete billing automation solution that helps improve operations, customer satisfaction and reduce costs. Other important features include asset lifecycle [Read more](/accounting/simple-billing-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Rate Management: 5/5 - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Metered Billing: 5/5 - Transaction History: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/simple-billing-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $499.00/year [See full pricing details](/accounting/simple-billing-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [VertexOne](/utility-billing/vertexone-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: $1.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview VertexOne is the leading provider of cloud-based SaaS software solutions powering the next generation of customer experience for utilities, energy retailers and energy transition [Read more](/utility-billing/vertexone-profile/) --- ### [ioTORQ UBM](/utility-billing/iotorq-utility-bill-management-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ioTORQ UBM software automates the processing of bills from hundreds of utility suppliers. Advanced dashboarding and trending allow businesses to take control of their energy spend. [Read more](/utility-billing/iotorq-utility-bill-management-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customer Management: 5/5 - User Management: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 - Usage Tracking/Analytics: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Metered Billing: 4/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 4/5 - Mobile Access: 4/5 - Meter Data Management: 4/5 [See all features](/utility-billing/iotorq-utility-bill-management-profile/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/utility-billing/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/utility-billing/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3) ## Popular Comparisons [ authorize.net vs Heartland Payments+ ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/online-payment/authorize-net-profile/vs/heartland-payment-processing/)[ Muni-Link vs AMCS Utility Billing ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/141235-muni-link/vs/395259-AMCS-Utility-Billing/)[ Rural Billing vs El Dorado Utility Billing ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/utility-billing/el-dorado-profile/vs/rural-billing/)[ Tridens Monetization vs MuniBilling ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/utility-billing/munibilling-profile/vs/tridens-monetization/)[ ExpenseLogic vs Submeter Billing ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/194506-submeter-billing/vs/456026-ExpenseLogic/) In order to accurately and efficiently bill customers for their utility consumption, usage data must be collected and converted into billable units. However, this data collection process is very time consuming when done repeatedly for all customers. For this reason, utility providers of all sizes often turn to utility billing software to automate key tasks. In this Buyer's Guide, we'll look at what capabilities utility billing software offers and the benefits associated with deploying it. We'll also look at specific considerations for different sized providers and some market trends you need to know about. Here's what we'll cover: [What Is Utility Billing Software?](#WhatIsUtilityBillingSoftware) [Common Features of Utility Billing Software](#CommonFeaturesofUtilityBillingSoftware) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Benefits of Utility Billing Software](#BenefitsofUtilityBillingSoftware) [Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand) [Key Considerations](#KeyConsiderations) ## What Is Utility Billing Software? Utility billing software helps providers track usage of the utility services they offer, e.g., water, gas, electricity, wastewater and sanitation. It then helps these providers manage the billing process based on the usage data collected. Different systems offer a range of functionalities such as meter management, invoice management and payment processing to manage the entire billing process. These software systems can be deployed either on your premises or in the cloud. _Home dashboard of_ [Waterworks water billing software](https://waterworkslms.com/) ## Common Features of Utility Billing Software Vendors offer a variety of functional breadth and depth in their utility billing software. Here are some of the most common capabilities: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Account management | Store searchable account information with searchable with fields such as customer names, addresses, phone numbers and any other user-defined fields. The account page can be customized to the utility provider's specific needs. | | Meter management | View the complete usage history for any specific meter in both graphical and chart form, along with the option to print the bill. | | Customer management | Centralized customer database that includes account notes, billing and interaction history and usage statistics. Enables customer service agents to provide quick and efficient service to customers and ultimately enhance customer relations. | | Metered billing | Upload meter readings automatically from various electronic meter reading devices to the system and charge customers based on their usage. Meter devices are usually managed by the utility service provider, and the software is designed to integrate with commonly used devices. | | Nonmetered billing | Enables billing for utilities offered through flat rates or fixed one-time charges. Nonmetered flat rates are usually higher than metered rates, and are often intended for higher volume usage customers. | | Rate management | Manage complex utility rate calculations (such as different rates in different areas or varying normal and peak hour rates) and multiple pricing options. Create separate rate schedules and tier blocks for different areas and times of day. | | Move in and move out | Move-in/move-out capabilities track the date when a customer moves in or out of the location where the meter reading device is installed to ensure you are billing the correct customer. | | Online payment processing | Allows providers to offer flexible online payment options to their customers. Includes features such as emailed receipts, single payment for multiple bills etc. Maintains a record of all past payment transactions. | | Penalty/cut-off processing | Allows users to define and create penalties based on multiple calculation methods for customers who make payments after the due date. | --- ## What Type of Buyer Are You? Before you start evaluating different utility billing systems, you'll want to know what buyer category you belong to and which features are most suited to your situation. You'll likely fall into one of the categories below: **Small utility service provider (fewer than 50 customers).** These buyers have a relatively small number of customers in just one area. They'll require a simple utility billing system that manages their usage tracking and billing needs. Such buyers should look for solutions with basic features such as account management, meter management and metered billing. **Medium utility service provider (50 to 250 customers).** These buyers have a growing number of customers that may be spread across more than one location, and they need a solution that will help them scale. They should opt for systems that offer additional features such as more robust customer management, nonmetered billing, move-in/move-out and online payment processing to make their overall processes more efficient. **Large utility service provider (more than 250 customers).** These buyers have a high volume of customers across multiple locations. They require a system that efficiently manages their complex requirements. Such buyers should be looking for features such as nonmetered billing, rate management and penalty/cut-off processing. ## Benefits of Utility Billing Software Some of the more general benefits of introducing software to automate key tasks should already be apparent from this discussion. However, some of the specific benefits of implementing utility billing software include the following: **Identification of customer usage patterns.** With this software, users can view the usage history of all customers in either graphical or chart form. This helps users identify customers that are heavy consumers of a utility service and take measures to maintain and enhance those relationships by offering discounts or other benefits. In addition, users can study the patterns to scale their business in heavy usage areas. **Managing multiple client locations.** For a single customer with properties in multiple locations, utility billing software can help users manage billing either on a single invoice or separate bills, according to the customer's preference. **Data security.** Cloud-based utility billing software offers encrypted data backups on a regular basis. Most of these systems are Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant and offer bank-level encryption through multiple servers. Safe and secure transactions help users build better customer relations since they can ensure all personal data remains safe. ## Market Trends to Understand Businesses looking to invest in utility billing software should keep the following market trends in mind as they evaluate systems: **Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model becomes more widespread.** SaaS, or subscription-based software, is becoming more common for nearly all types of utility billing systems. The benefits of these cloud-based systems are quite compelling; they include quicker and easier implementation, lower upfront cost and are often designed to have user-friendly interfaces. **Demand for tailored utility billing software.** Currently, there is a wide range of utility billing software options that serve different sectors such as water, sewage, gas, cable, electricity, telecommunications and internet. Demand for exclusive products that cater to specific needs of these niche end-use areas [is rising](https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/utility-billing-software-market.html). Buyers are looking for utility billing software that is tailored to meet their needs, while improving operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. ## Key Considerations Here are a couple of important factors to think about before you purchase utility billing software: **Deployment options.** Utility billing software is available in both on-premise and cloud-based options. Typically, the upfront costs associated with cloud-based software are much lower than they would be with an on-premise solution. **Integration requirements.** Before purchasing new software, check whether the utility billing system you are considering integrates with other business tools you use, such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, PayPal etc. **Payment compliance.** As utility billing systems involve payments from customers, check whether the system complies with industry standards such as PCI DSS. ### Related Utility Billing Software - [Billing and Invoicing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/billing-invoicing-software-comparison/) - [Debt Collection Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/debt-collection/) - [Recurring Billing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/recurring-billing-comparison/) - [Revenue Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/revenue-management/) - [Subscription Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/subscription-management-comparison/)