Utilities, RUBS, especially in 29 Palms, CA desert areas

[Rosy Zide]

After years stuck in analysis paralysis, I'm giving it a shot, buying a small multi-family in 29 Palms. Does anyone know what is common practice with utilities? Rents are low, but utilities are California prices, we have a drought, and it gets really hot out there in the summer. Is it typical in 29 Palms to charge the tenants for utilities? My other rental is an SFR in L.A. and the tenants pay for all utilities. I'm reading up on RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) and would love to hear from anyone in 29 Palms and the area who is using this (or not using it) and how it's working.  

I would also love to hear about systems others use for calculating, billing and documenting utilities for multifamily.