ista ME is the UAE’s market leader in BTU sub-metering retrofits - delivering turnkey solutions for developers, operators and government clients that don’t stop at commissioning. We own the outcome from Day 1 to Year 20.
Installers commission the meters and leave. Consultants submit the report and move on. Nobody owns the long-term outcome and value of your project quietly leaks away.
The result? Billing disputes. Inaccurate reads. Tenant complaints. Compliance gaps. And a building that’s technically retrofitted but operationally vulnerable.
Whether you’re an operator managing an existing portfolio or a government entity commissioning a performance contract, the question isn’t just “who will install the meters?” it’s “who will own the outcome?”
ista is the only provider in the region that combines deep building energy management expertise with end-to-end operational accountability. We don’t just retrofit buildings, we run them.
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.
1. Site assessment
We audit your building’s cooling infrastructure and recommend the right metering strategy - ASHRAE-standard, compliance-ready.
2. Custom design
A tailored metering plan covering BTU meters, M-Bus cabling, pipe modifications and system integration - not a template, designed for your building.
3. Supply & installation
Certified teams handle installation with minimal disruption to tenants. Live environments are our speciality.
4. Commissioning & compliance
Every system is tested, verified, and handed over compliant with RSB (Dubai) and DoE (Abu Dhabi) requirements.
5. Metering, billing & MV
Automated data collection feeds accurate, transparent billing. For ESCO and performance contracts, our Measurement & Verification is independently auditable.
6. Ongoing Operations
We don’t leave. We monitor, maintain, and optimise - with 24/7 support for building managers and end-users.
ista’s metering ecosystem connects cooling, water and other building data into one reliable system, ready for remote reading and accurate billing from day one. You get precise, unit‑level consumption data and a future‑proof foundation for zero‑touch operations.

Your reputation is built building by building. ista ME ensures every new development is metered, billed and handed over compliantly, with the operational infrastructure already in place for the long term. No gaps. No handoffs. No surprises for your buyers or operators.
- Compliant metering from day one
- Turnkey installation with minimal disruption
- Seamless handover to building management
- A partner that stays accountable beyond commissioning

Your tenants expect accurate bills, fast responses and zero disruption. Your business needs reliable collections, clean data and a vendor who owns the problem when something goes wrong.
- Fewer billing disputes through accurate & transparent reads
- Improved cost recovery & collections performance
- One point of contact for metering, billing and tenant queries
- Portfolio-level consistency whether you manage 50 units or 5,000
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 2,000 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.