Trends in Utility Savings
The Trend – Increasing Utility Costs! All utilities… water, sewer, gas, electric, telephone and trash, continue to increase in costs each year. Utility expenses are generally now one of the top three annual budget items for most communities. The reduction of common-area utility bills seem to be one area where many boards feel confused or […]
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a utility audit is a formal review of a house’s energy use that provides recommendations for energy-efficiency measures such as weather-striping, caulking and insulation. But a different type of utility audit examines your utility bills and whether you are being overcharged for your utilities. The first question […]
Utility charges are on an upward trend with no end in sight. The good news: You can hold back and even reverse increases in electric, water, sewer, gas, telephone and trash bills. Rising utility costs seem unavoidable. Utility costs have been on an upward trend for the last quarter century, going back as far as […]
When speaking with many community managers, I often hear this: “We will just install water sub meters” in response to their ever increasing water and sewer utility costs. However, this choice is much more complicated and treacherous than is seems. Here’s why: In Part 3 of this article series, we will discuss additional water sub-meter […]
On the West Coast, particularly in California, utility costs, especially electricity rates, are significantly rising, often considered among the highest in the nation. With rate increases outpacing the national average due to factors like wildfire prevention measures, investments in renewable energy, and increased demand during peak hours, this has resulted in higher bills for residents […]
Utility audits save on cost and energy audits save on consumption. Community managers should do both to minimize annual utility expenses. Board members and homeowners look to community managers for professional guidance on managing their associations for long-term sustainability and sound economic advice. Measures that increase reserve funding and/or reduce overall expenses are always in […]