Metered Electric at RV Parks, Explained

At a lot of monthly RV parks, the rent covers your site, water, sewer and trash, but electric is billed separately on a meter at your pedestal. It's the most common surprise for new long-stay renters, especially in a Texas summer.

How it works

Each site has its own electric meter. The park reads it once a month and bills you for what you used, usually at a set rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Some parks bill at their cost, and some add a markup or a small service fee. Ask which.

Questions to ask

• What's the rate per kWh, and is there a monthly service or meter fee on top?
• What does a typical summer bill run for an RV the size of yours? The office usually has a good idea.
• When is the meter read, and will you get a copy of the reading?
• Is there a cap or an "included up to" amount?
• Is the pedestal 30 or 50 amp? Make sure it matches your RV.

How to keep the bill down

• Shade and insulation. Reflective window covers, skirting (if the park allows it) and parking with the big side away from the afternoon sun all help a lot.
• Keep the A/C healthy. Clean filters and coils make a real difference when it runs all day.
• Use propane where it makes sense. Water heaters and fridges that can run on propane can take load off the meter. Compare the costs.
• Mind the space heaters in winter. They add up fast.

Included vs. metered: which is better?

"Electric included" looks simpler, but the rent is usually higher to cover it. If you run light, metered is often cheaper. If you run the A/C hard all summer, included can win. Ask both parks for real numbers and compare the total, not just the rent.

More questions to ask before you sign: the monthly RV park checklist.