ista is the market leader in retrofitting BTU meter systems across the UAE. Our certified experts deliver turnkey solutions for private, government, and semi-government properties - ensuring smooth installation, accurate billing, and full regulatory compliance.
A sub-metering retrofit involves more than just installing devices; it's about preparing your building for the future of utility billing. With the regulatory deadline of January 2026 approaching, all properties in Dubai will be required to base their billing on actual meter data.
That’s where ista comes in. We already support over 500 buildings across the UAE and are a trusted partner to private, semi-government and government clients alike.
Whether your property is under construction or already occupied, our certified team will ensure a smooth, low-disruption installation. For buildings that were not originally designed to accommodate meters, we adapt the existing infrastructure to enable precise, regulation-compliant data collection from day one.
Retrofitting your building with sub-metering technology brings immediate and long-term benefits. By tracking actual consumption at the unit level, you gain the transparency needed to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and lower operating costs. But beyond day-to-day efficiency, retrofitting is a strategic move that aligns your property with the UAE’s vision for a Net Zero future by 2050. It enables smarter energy use, better building performance, and informed decisions backed by real data.
Enable consumption based billing to reduce service charge and energy costs, supporting the UAE's net zero strategy.
Smart meters and consumption based energy billing for End-users reduces service charges and fulfills all regulatory requirement. Ultimately supporting the targets of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy.
Retrofitting a building with sub-metering is one of the most impactful steps toward smarter energy use, fairer billing, and long-term efficiency. In existing and occupied buildings, this process requires more than just technical expertise – it calls for end-to-end coordination, minimal disruption, and full regulatory compliance. As the market leader in retrofitting BTU meter systems across the UAE, ista offers exactly that.
Our turnkey approach ensures that every aspect of the project is handled seamlessly and with maximum expertise. From the design of a tailored metering strategy to the supply and installation of BTU meters – including M-Bus cabling, pipe modifications, and integration with third-party systems – we manage the process from start to finish.
Our certified teams oversee installation, testing, commissioning, and project delivery, while also supporting you with meter reading, billing setup, tariff design, maintenance, and dispute resolution if needed. ista combines deep local experience with technical excellence, delivering retrofit projects that are efficient, compliant, and built for shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.
BTU meters are installed in the cooling infrastructure of the building as per client's requirements ensuring compliance with the relevant regulation. Consumption and meter data will then be collected utilizing wired and/or wireless communication technology to enable consumption based billing.
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We give houses a future.
By combining our one-stop solutions with the innovative technology in our appliances, managing your energy consumption has never been easier. Our experts are happy to advise you on the best combination of tools to optimise efficiency and savings.
Smart meters and consumption based energy billing for End-users reduces service charges and fulfills all regulatory requirement. Ultimately supporting the targets of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy.
Also benefit from our web portal, which allows them to manage all their property information centrally. With just a few clicks, invoices can be verified and legal requirements met.
From inquiry to implementation – our mission is to create smart, one-stop solutions that make your life easier. We are here for our customers every step of the way and offer 24/7 customer support.
Our experts review your property's cooling system and recommend the best metering solution for accurate and efficient heat cost allocation.
Our advanced meters and wireless systems can be installed with a minimum of disruption.
Automated data collection securely transfers real-time usage information to a centralised system, eliminating the need for on-site visits.
End-users and property managers can access clear, real-time consumption information through an intuitive digital platform.
Accurate and compliant billing is generated automatically, ensuring fair cost allocation and a problem-free experience for all parties.
A retrofit service involves installing smart BTU meters and associated infrastructure in new but also in existing, often fully occupied buildings. ista begins with a site inspection, then designs a customised metering strategy. We handle installation, cabling, commissioning, and testing – ensuring that each unit is equipped for accurate, consumption-based billing with minimal disruption.
Retrofitting enables fair and transparent billing, helping both landlords and end-users track actual energy consumption. It supports cost control, improves energy efficiency, and helps ensure your building is aligned with upcoming regulatory requirements. With energy use under increased scrutiny, submetering is fast becoming an operational necessity and not just a nice-to-have.
ista retrofits all types of buildings – residential, commercial, and mixed-use. Whether your property is under construction or fully occupied, our team can implement a metering solution that fits. We specialise in live environments, where careful planning and minimal disruption are critical.
Yes, for many properties, it soon will be. By January 2026, energy billing in the UAE must be based on actual consumption using submeters. Regulations vary by emirate, but compliance with authorities like the RSB (Dubai) and DoE (Abu Dhabi) will require most buildings to have metering systems in place. Retrofitting now ensures you’re ahead of the curve and avoids future compliance risks.
The duration depends on the size and complexity of your building. Smaller projects can take a few weeks, while larger multi-tower developments may require several months. ista provides a clear project timeline upfront and ensures milestones are communicated throughout the process.
Our retrofit process is designed to be as non-invasive as possible. We coordinate closely with building management, provide tenant notices, and use trained installers to minimise access time in individual units. Most installations are completed quickly and with no interruption to cooling or electricity supply.
ista is uniquely positioned as both a certified ESCO and a metering expert, delivering full-cycle solutions from strategy to implementation. With over 500 buildings already retrofitted in the UAE, we offer unmatched local experience, qualified teams, and smart technology that integrates seamlessly with billing and building systems.
Our retrofit service is a fully turnkey solution. It includes everything from initial inspection and system design to installation, integration, and commissioning. We supply all required BTU meters, cabling, and hardware – and where necessary, we modify existing pipes or HVAC infrastructure to accommodate the new meters.
Our team handles the entire process: from technical adaptation and integration with HIUs to testing, compliance reporting, and post-installation support. We also provide project management and help configure billing systems, ensuring a seamless transition to accurate, consumption-based utility billing.
Our custom solutions are designed to help our clients reduce their environmental impact, improve health and safety in their buildings, and save energy costs.
Consolidate all your utility services into one streamlined billing system, simplifying payments and reducing administrative efforts for both property managers and end-users.
Enhance your payment processes and customer satisfaction with efficient cash collection services and dedicated support, ensuring smooth transactions and responsive assistance for end-users and property managers.
