Sub-Metering or RUBS with Low Rent Apartments?

[Doug Karkow]

I own a few 4-plexes near Cedar Rapids, IA. Rents are in the ~$550 range and the tenants pay for their own electricity. I understand and appreciate the concept of sub-metering or RUBS, but I wonder how effective these tactics would be on lower income rentals. My concern is that tenants looking for a $550 apartment won't love the idea of paying for additional utilities, so they may look elsewhere. Does anyone have any experience (good or bad) or advice with implementing one of these systems on lower rent range apartments?