Landlords don’t always have a monetary incentive when it comes to making energy-efficient changes to their properties.
In most cases, tenants are the ones footing the heat and electricity bill.
However, switching to alternatives like LED lighting and solar can not only reduce one’s carbon footprint, but also save tenants money.
Natural gas and utility provider Unitil recently partnered with Concord Housing Authority as part of its ongoing Home Energy Assistance Program (“HEA”), to step in and make changes for low-income residents in the city who need help the most.
Phase one of the project, completed in 2019, included an LED lighting conversion and an upgrade of refrigerators in residential units. The upgrades will save 220 residents approximately 47,640 kWh of electricity annually going forward, according to Concord Housing Authority.
Energy-efficiency initiatives with Concord Housing Authority will continue for two additional years. The project received $75,000 in Unitil rebates through the N.H. Saves program.
This project is in line with the city’s goal to switch to renewable energy in the next decades. The city has been working on a strategic plan that includes goals of operating municipal buildings using solar and wind power, and adding hybrid and electric vehicles in its fleet, including public works trucks and emergency vehicles.
“Improving the lives of our residents is paramount. By shifting lightbulbs to LEDs and replacing refrigerators throughout the units, we have reduced our tenants’ electric costs significantly,” said Tom Buckman, Facilities Director at Concord Housing Authority.
Unitil’s second round of audits for this year will likely include additional refrigeration upgrades, according to Alec O’Meara, Media Relations Manager for Unitil. He encouraged other businesses and residential customers N.H. Saves, a program that offers rebates for energy efficient projects.
“Converting to LEDs presents significant opportunities to save money and reduce one’s carbon footprint, and replacing outdated appliances often not only result in energy savings but improve one’s quality of life,” O’Meara said.
The more than 36 million U.S. households with incomes below twice the federal poverty level – $49,200 for a family of four – use more than 30% of U.S. residential electricity and comprise 27% of U.S. households, according to 2009 Residential Energy Consumption Survey data. Yet, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency estimates that, as of 2015, only 6% ($350 million) of U.S. electric energy efficiency spending was dedicated to low-income programs.