Utility Wisdom

by Conservice | The Utility Experts®

The Utility Partnership Playbook with Jeff Smedley & Scott Hines

Jeff Smedley sits down with Scott Hines of Mark-Taylor Residential for a candid look at what’s shaping multifamily today. They discuss Scottsdale market conditions, multifamily financing, the complexity behind utility management, and what operators should expect from a true partner. They also dig into AI, why good data matters, and the role transparency and risk mitigation play in making better decisions.

Scaling Senior Living with Justin Brady

Who manages the utilities at a senior living community? Often, it’s a business manager or bookkeeper who is also juggling resident enrollment, retention, and day-to-day community operations. Lauren Howard sits down with Justin Brady to explore why that model becomes harder to sustain as senior living portfolios grow. They discuss costly utility issues like late fees and incorrect rate schedules, the growing demand from owners and investors for reliable utility and sustainability data, and how operators can take work off community teams while building a utility process that scales.

Policy Watch: Compliance & Building Readiness with Brett Kraus and Michelle Winters

In this episode of Utility Wisdom, Michelle Winters, Vice President of Sustainability Sales at Conservice, sits down with Brett Kraus, Senior Legal Counsel, to break down the latest developments shaping sustainability and compliance. They discuss California’s climate disclosure laws, the evolving role of ENERGY STAR, Building Performance Standards, and the steps organizations can take now to prepare for upcoming requirements. Tune in for a practical look at the policies making headlines and what they could mean for your portfolio.

RUBS Utility Billing vs. Submetering A Decision Guide

Choosing between RUBS and submetering isn't always straightforward. In this episode, Lauren B. breaks down the differences between these two utility billing methods, including where each works best, how state regulations can shape your options, and the key questions to ask before deciding what's right for your property.

NAA 2026 Debrief: AI Everywhere, Automation Under Pressure, and the Human Work of Multifamily

At Apartmentalize 2026, one message rose above the AI hype: technology only delivers value when it's backed by strong operations and human expertise. In this episode, William Bailey recaps the biggest conversations from NAA, including where AI is creating real impact, why clean data and well-designed workflows matter, and what multifamily operators should prioritize as automation continues to evolve.

Inside Multifamily with NAA President & CEO Bob Pinnegar

Conservice's Lauren Howard sits down with National Apartment Association President and CEO Bob Pinnegar to discuss the current state of the rental housing industry. From supply and affordability challenges to evolving regulations, consumer expectations, and the role of advocacy, Bob shares his perspective on the trends shaping multifamily today and what operators should be watching as the market continues to evolve.

The Industry's Journey From In-House to Managed Utilities with Jerry Davis

How did managed utility services become an essential part of multifamily operations? In this episode of Utility Wisdom, Lauren Howard sits down with industry veteran Jerry Davis to explore the history of utility management, the industry's shift away from in-house processes, and the lessons learned over decades of change.

8 Climate Hazards Multifamily Investors Should Be Screening For

In this episode of Utility Wisdom, we break down the 8 key climate hazards impacting multifamily real estate—from rising heat and heavy precipitation to floods, wildfires, and coastal risk. Learn how to distinguish between gradual operational stress and high-impact events, and why not all risks carry the same weight across your portfolio.

The ROAD to Housing Act What It Means for Supply, Renters, and Operators

The ROAD to Housing Act aims to tackle affordability, but will it actually lead to more housing? In this episode of Utility Wisdom, we explore what’s inside the bill, how it could impact housing supply, and why capital, policy, and execution all play a role in what ultimately gets built.

Vacant Cost Recovery (VCR): The Complete 2026 Guide

In this episode of Utility Wisdom, we unpack Vacant Cost Recovery (VCR) and how billing gaps from delayed service transfers or early disconnects can quietly erode NOI. Learn how to spot recoverable charges, avoid “vacant theft,” and use automation to catch issues early. If you’re not actively managing utility billing during move-ins and move-outs, there’s likely money being left on the table.

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