Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Studebaker Submetering Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Studebaker Submetering Inc.

  5350 Shawnee Rd Ste 103 Alexandria, VA 22312-2318

• 

  Studebaker Submetering Inc.

  5285 Shawnee Rd Ste 106 Former Address Alexandria, VA 22312-2328

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/24/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Studebaker is taking advantage of low income residents by overcharging for water. Myself and a toddler live in a unit the water went from 30 to 80 or over 100 a month. My mom lives less than 5 miles away and pays Les with a36000 pool and more people

  Business Response

  Date: 07/03/2023

  Studebaker Submetering, Inc, will not have knowledge of if a customer is low income unless we are told by property management.  If any customer has any inquiry into their consumption, they contact Studebaker directly and we reach out to property management with their concern.  It appears ******************** recent inquiry to us dated 6/28/23 is already being looked into by our billing department.  We will be in contact with *********** directly regarding her concerns.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/05/2023

  Studebaker Submetering, Inc does not bill residents based off income status, as we are not privy to residents that are or are not "low income".  The customer's bills showing consumption are not high and are actually within average.  We cannot provide any credits for consumption, as the money received for water charges belongs to their property management.  If property management would like a meter inspection, Studebaker Submetering would coordinate that with the property management directly, as the meters and submetering equipment belong to them.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/06/2023

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  I am low income and maintenance and Studebaker have both done inspections at my property they actually replaced the remote that reads my meter at the inspection
  Regards,
  
  *********************
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/07/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Studebaker Submetering Inc (SSI) is supposed to remotely read our water meter on the 15th of each month. Since July 2021, after SSI over charged me on my very first bill, I write down the meter reading on the 15th of each month (See attachment). The bill dated 3-23-2023 for $29.28 (See attachment) seemed very high. On this bill SSI lists a meter reading of 126279.75 on 3-15-2023. My records show a reading of 126251. I took a picture of the meter on March 26, 2023 at 10:07AM (See attachment) that reads 126261. This is 11 DAYS AFTER their claim that my meter read 126279.75 on 3-15-23. (On this same bill under "previous" reading (for 2-15-2023) SSI lists 126204.75 which is correct as my records show 126205.) When I called customer service about the discrepancy their ONLY explanation was that "the meter needs inspection at the cost to me of $89 since the condo owns the meters". I explained that the meter is working fine, it's the meter READER or remote device that seems to be the problem. She was insistent even after I read the meter figures as we were talking. She even quoted the average water use for a single occupant...but that has NOTHING to do with an incorrect reading of MY water meter and then force me to pay the extra cost. At this point I asked to speak to a supervisor but she just wanted to transfer me to the billing department. My greatest concern is that I am away most of the time with my house/pet sitting jobs. From March 15 to April 15th, I am home a total of 3 days. Other times I come by to pick up my mail. I use very little water and even less so now. I don't shower at home because I swim 4 times a week. I don't do laundry at home because my washer isn't working. My plumber checked my 2 toilets and they do not leak. What's going to happen when SSI sees that my April 15th meter reading is LESS than the reading they claim for March 15th? I truly hope you can help me in this matter.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/03/2023

  We have received the complaint written by ********************. Our billing department has reviewed the invoices. ************************ meter and transmitter are in need of an inspection. Studebaker Submetering does not own any of the submetering equipment onsite. Any issues with the meter or transmitting equipment must be inspected in order to confirm the issue and resolve accordingly. All inspections must be approved by ***************** as they will be billed for the work order. It will be to their discretion if those charges are passed through to the unit owners. Studebaker has opened a work order for ************************ unit to have her meter and transmitter inspected.******** will need to approve the inspection prior to Studebaker inspecting the equipment.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/04/2023

  ---------- Forwarded message ---------
  From: ************************* <**********************>
  Date: Thu, May 4, 2023 at 2:25 PM
  Subject: Re:
  To: Dispute Resolution Team <[email protected]>
  
  

  Yes, at this point,  the county Consumer Protection investigator and I concluded to CLOSE the case.  I was assured that my file will remain on record in case I have another problem with Studebaker Submetering Inc. Thank you. 

  ***************************** **********************
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/14/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Hello! Thank you for your help on this matter.My water bill was averaging $30 a month from June to November 2022. I live in a small studio by myself. In December, despite me working outside the home for 12 hours a day in the hospital as a doctor and leaving the unit for 1 week, the bill shot up to $56, then in January 2023 the bill was $109, and the new bill is $140. The amount of water listed was over triple than before despite me having no increase in water usage since June-November 2022 (graph from their own website also attached showing skyrocketing costs). The apartment maintenance came by on 3/13/23 and confirmed zero leaks. I called the company multiple times on 3/13 and 3/14 during normal business hours. I was hung up on before speaking to a person 5 times. I left a voicemail on 3/13/23 with no response. I called 3/14/23 and was in touch with a male representative who refused to give me his name, and then told me my water usage was normal and they refused to have someone sent out to look at the water meter. My apartment maintenance told me that the company frequently uncharges tenants in the building and the company needs to come out to fix the meter and return my bill back to what it was. Very fraudulent company in the way they bill and do business, I'm surprised they are still running. Thank you for your help.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/24/2023

  The usage for this unit appears to have started to increase  in January and has gone through current.  As these meters do not belong to Studebaker, we are simply billing based off the reads we are obtaining, we will reach out to property management, provide them with a copy of the attached Daily Usage Report and ask them if they would like us to proceed with a meter inspection to confirm the validity of the readings we are receiving. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/26/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  ********************************, ************************************* Chantilly, VA *****************, Telephone # ************* who administers ************** Condominiums in  Leesburg, VA-Telephone ************ , where we live as condo owners at ****************************************************** Leesburg, VA ***********-According to *****************************/Manager/************** Condominiums, the $78.00 that we paid on 1/25/23 to ************ was transferred to our new utility company of Studebaker Submetering, ***** C/O ************** Condominiums. We get an invoice from the new company and the $78.00 credit is not on there. Studebaker Submetering sent us a bill for $118.04, in which we paid via **** of ******* on 3/3/23 as that is the earliest B/A will let us pay. We want to know where our $78.00 credit is? CMC did not give us any email of the new change even though they said they did. WE DID NOT GET ANY NOTICE! Please contact CMC and Studebaker Submetering C/O ************** Condominiums, P. O. Box ******, *******, ** **********, Tel: ************. I am a disabled veteran and this has upset me very much. We tried paying on their website & they did not recognize us-but they can send a bill. Attached are all documentation. Pls help & thank you. ***********************-disabled veteran and ***********************-husband

  Business Response

  Date: 03/03/2023

  Studebaker Submetering is the new submetering vendor for ********* ******* Condominiums.  Our billing account management is in contact with ********* ******** Condominiums regarding prior payments and credits that customers paid the prior submetering vendor.  Studebaker would not have any knowledge of those payments or credits unless those are provided to us by the prior vendor.  We are in communication with ************** about this complaint and this customer's inquiry into this credit/payment they are requesting.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/24/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My electricity bill has surpassed more than $100 for the first time. In a mater of 6 months my bill has increased by between 4-5 times. My highest bill between in the first full year of living in my property was $92. The last 3 bills were $105, $174, $146, The amount of energy used is as conservative as ever. My bill goes up without any clarification and I firmly believe my electricity use is mistaken with another unit and have been overcharged. In September last year my bill was $36. I understand that I would use more energy in the winter but 4-5 times more is excessive. I do not have parties and family/friends visit very rarely. I called and left a message 2 days ago and left a voicemail attempting to dispute this issue. I will need to look at escalating to further options if this issue is not fixed and refunded or credited to my account!

  Business Response

  Date: 03/03/2023

  Studebaker Submetering is the submetering vendor contracted by The ******** of McLean to read the meters onsite and bill for the consumption being read from the meters.  The meter for unit 915 is not being estimated.  Attached is the Daily Usage Report for this unit's meter showing the readings and consumption.  The readings on the report are correctly referenced on the invoice to the customer.  Comparing this year's usage and rates to last year at this time, both are higher . Consumption is higher and the rate has gradually increased.  Rate increases for all utilities, but especially Gas and Electric has started to increase in May/June of 2022.  We are seeing this as a nationwide increase and we anticipate these to only continue to increase through the winter and summer seasons, as that is when heating and cooling is most often used. These meters onsite are not owned by Studebaker, we are the submetering company responsible for reading those meters and billing for the consumption.  As this is a condo, if the unit owner would like a meter inspection, the proper actions that need to be taken is to make the request for a meter inspection, to which we will reach out to The ********** of McLean, letting them know the customer is asking for a meter inspection.  Once approved, our technicians will make an appointment to inspect the meter.  We are not electricians, but we can ensure the meter is turned on, affixed properly and ensure there are no loose wires or exposed wires.  An electrician would be needed for all other inspections. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/08/2023

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I would like to have an inspection done to verify the electricity consumption and inspection for my unit by the building or the appropriate party. I cannot see the electricity usage, but I lowered the temperature and things aren't adding up. It feels like my electricity bill has gone up more than 100%.  I do not believe that my electricity cost is increasing by that much and my usage is definitely not increasing. I do not accept this response. Please contact me to see if we can resolve this.
  
  Regards,
  
  *****************************

  ************
  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/15/2023

  We will reach out to The **********of McLean letting them know you would like your meter inspected.  They will need to authorize the inspection, as we do not own the equipment.  Should they authorize the work order, all costs associated with inspecting the meter and any materials needed to repair or replace the meter will be billed to The **********of McLean, and it will be to their discretion if they wish to pass any of those charges through to the unit owner.  We will reach out to them today, March 15, 2023.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/16/2023

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  1. Nothing was scheduled yet to inspect my unit 

  2. No explanation of the price increases in electricity as I previously requested. I am asking history of all price increases in cost of electricity per kw hour or however it is measured.

  3. The documentation provided of my electricity use is vague and unclear

  4. Not happy with the possibility that I could be billed for a compalint I am making.

  5. If a 5-20% increase from one month to another in the winter occurred I wouldn't say anything. The way I have been billed recently is substantially higher than ever and my use of electricity is consciously as low as its ever been in this unit. I am even out most of the day.  since I moved here it has been difficult to reach anyone at the metering company.

  
  Regards,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/19/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My account is being manipulated and others usage in the apartment building is being changed to my account. I’ve asked for an investigation. In Nov.22 I was billed 59.00 I paid on 11/7 on 11/8 a bill generated with an amount of 195.00 for 30 day usage on a 888sq ft unit. Clearly something is either manipulating the numbers or there is a issue with the meter. I asked for an investigation and was told one would be conducted and no one has followed up. I continue to be billed excessively and now at 430.00 no one responds. The property is billing this into my rent, so I’m forced to pay the wrong amounts being billed. Which means my rent goes up every month, as this utility isn’t included. This is not only a disservice to me but an insult of extortion. I’d appreciate a response and investigation ,bill adjustment and repair of this broken metering service’s practices.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/27/2023

  This unit, along with all units for ******************************* Section ***, are billed based off submetered consumption.  The bills we generate calculate the consumption based off the meter readings we are obtaining monthly.  The meter reads for this unit's meter were high through November 14th.  November 15th thru current, the water usage went down substantially.  This meter is not currently reporting high usage.  All high usage concerns should be brought to the attention of their property maintenance, as it could be due to a running toilet or some other maintenance or plumbing concern.  We have attached a Daily Usage Report showing the readings and have forwarded a copy of the report to the property management of ******************************* Section ***.  This unit is not being estimated.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/31/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been trying to get in touch with this co.. ( a supervizor , or manager ), for over 10 days .On the first day I spoke to a woman , sounded young . She continued to repeat the same thing over and over , and over. With out listening to what I was saying .She continued to tell me that I pay water ,though the rental co. property , I tried to explain to her that my ins. co . pays , the utility bill, It is deducted off the ucard for ****** ********** . She continued to repeat ,you pay through your rental property . asked three times to please speak to a manager , or superisor . Again the same repeat. Well at this point , I have the receipt where I have now double paid. I now should have a credit of $17.67,,, plue the payment of $17.67 for the mo. of Dec.So at this point I have paid a total of $35.34, I have checked with ****** ********** , and the $35.34 was deducted off the card .I will try to call them again tomorrow ,Im sure I will get someone with a single mind , refusing to let me speak to a manager , or supervisor. Then I will be done trying . Let them figure it out ...the money was applied to the acct. and I have both receipts . If they cannot post the payment to the acct .that is not my problem . If there is a late charge ,I will refer to an attorney ,and if we can get this worked out tomorrow I will reverse my review credit , to 4 stars . Considering it has taken me over 10 days to get this done. BTW both payments were made though Walmart ,customer service, They also have proof that the bill was payed twice ,along with their copy of the receipts. At this point I do not feel safe to leave the name on the acct. or the acct. # I was informed Maybe contact BBB and file a complent . The lady at ******* informed me that there are many ppl she processes payments to this co. for , with **************** ****** , She is not sure why this payment has not been posted in over 2 weeks. I made a second payment so we both could make sure the payments went though and were deducted off the card . I have the option to ask for a refund of one of the payments , or let it carry over as a credit ,,, I been hung up on twice today 1-31-23

  Business Response

  Date: 02/09/2023

  Studebaker cannot accept payments from residents of *****************.  Their residents require them to pay directly to the rental office, which is what our customer service member was explaining to him.  This is also referenced on the invoice they receive from Studebaker Submetering.  In reading his complaint, it sounds like he is saying his insurance paid the bill or a bill for him.  I am not sure how his insurance paid Studebaker because our online system does not accept payments from residents of *****************.  He also said he paid through *******.  I'm assuming he is referring to their bill-payment platform.  If that is the case, ******* would mail a check to our lockbox address in Livonia MI for his account.  Once that check is received it would be returned to him, as we cannot accept payments from residents of *****************.  As of 2/9/23, no payments of $17.67 have been received by Studebaker to be sent back to this customer to pay his property directly.  At this time, it is recommended he speak with ***************** and also that he be reminded that we, Studebaker Submetering, cannot accept payments for his water.  He must pay his property directly.   Any payments received from ***************** will be returned to sender.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/14/2023

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The payment was made to them I have the receipt and ******** has it documented .

  Regards,
  
  *******************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/22/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Studebaker is trying to charge me with both a higher that usual "estimate" of water usage, without providing details on how they calculated the estimate. Additionally, there are charges for usage for days when I was out of town, and I know my unit doesn't have any leaks or running water, toilets, etc.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/09/2023

  Studebaker currently has an open work order to inspect this unit's meter.  The renter, ***************************, has contacted our corporate office and has inquired on the usage, as has the owner of this unit.  We have provided him with a Daily Usage Report showing he is being billed for actual consumption, not an estimate.  He also admitted that toilet flappers seals were replaced in August, which could be an indication of leaks in the past. He says he is only one in unit.  DUR shows gallons go form 50-70 gallons per day , and up to close to 200 per day on others.  There is usage on days he is not in the unit which is why we are stating the issue is plumbing related.  The work order will allow us to inspect the water meter to see if it is reading accurately.  The last email from *************************** was received on 01/25/23 at 11:55AM, to which a response with the attached report was provided on 1/26/23 at 8:22AM.