What's the best way to high utilities?

[Tyler D.]

I recently bought two fourplexes, and previously all utilities were paid by the owner. The utility bills are quite high ($150/tenant/month), and with the average rent for my units being 450, eat up 1/3rd of my income. I'm looking for the best way to solve this situation.

Both properties only have a single meter each, so I could split the meters but that could be costly. I could do a flat utility bill on top (rent + x for utilities), or I could just slowly increase the rent. Though the norm for the area is only about 500/ unit for the type of place I'm renting.

Also considering solar panels or better insulation, etc. What's the best way to handle this?