Digested From "Housing Authority Pushes for Utility Savings"
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by Rich Lord
The Pittsburgh Housing Authority board recently voted to start a $25.1 million push to reduce utility costs at most of its units citywide. By September, residents will begin getting visits from contractors assigned to alter their long-inefficient apartments. The agency has selected Minneapolis-based Honeywell International, who has guaranteed that the authority will see its utility bills drop at least enough to repay the debt over 12 years. If the savings do not match or exceed the cost, Honeywell will be legally obligated to make up the difference. Authority Executive Director A. Fulton Meachem Jr. said the first phase of the process will involve a September "energy fair" during which apartment residents will be taught how to conserve resources. Shortly after, Honeywell subcontractors will come calling and add water regulators, put in more efficient toilets, change heating and cooling systems and make other efficiency improvements. The process, which will last about a year and a half, will involve changes to most of the authority's 5,000-plus apartments.
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