Grid operators have always dealt with a number of challenges and some amount of uncertainty from factors such as extreme weather to equipment failures. Now, fluctuating supplies of renewable energy, some of it flowing from consumers with rooftop solar panels outfitted with smart meters, are increasing the number of variables grid operators must consider. Researchers…
Author: Tom Spangler
Climate Fiction or “Cli-Fi”
A new branch of science fiction that focuses on climate change or global warming is called Climate Fiction or “Cli-Fi” for short. Apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic fiction has been around for a long time, but it generally focused on nuclear war, pandemics, or even zombies. Now with more attention focused on climate change, it is drawing…
Consumers Energy to end use of Coal in Michigan
Consumer’s Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, serves almost 7 million residents. It closed seven coal plants in 2016 and plans to close the other five by 2040. Renewable energy would increase from 11 to 43 percent by 2040, and add solar, wind, and battery storage. They also expect to decrease carbon emissions by 80 percent….
America’s Light Bulb Revolution
A recent article in the NY Times reports that “Solar panels and wind turbines get a lot of attention, but a more inconspicuous instrument is helping to reshape America’s energy economy right now: The humble light bulb.” Electricity use in the home has declined for the past 8 years after decades of steady increases, and…
Green Financing Provides Resident Benefits
Fannie Mae’s green financing was lunched over nine years ago and over 550,000 multifamily units have been built or retrofitted under the program. Fannie Mae studied the impact on residents and found them to be significant. Residents annual utility expenses decreased by 10% or $145 on average. That may not seem like much, but it…
Multifamily LEED Certifications May Have Peaked
Based on a recent reports the percentage of new units being LEED certified peaked in 2014 at 19%. In absolute numbers, the peak occurred in 2016 at 50,300 certified units. The top 10 areas with the highest LEED certified units per capita are in either in the Washington, DC metro area or Seattle, WA. Larger…
LED Lighting increases Asset Values
LED lighting can save you 60-80% on your lighting energy costs at a property. This will lead to higher NOI and can significantly increase the value of your asset. However, as this article points out, owners must effectively manage the process and may benefit from partnering with a professional LED installer. https://naahq.org/news-publications/units/january-2017/article/shedding-light-led-retrofits Professional LED installers…
Show your Residents that you care with LED
Many owners only considering replacing their common area lighting with LED since the energy savings directly benefit their bottom line. However, owners can benefit in multiple other ways when they upgrade the lighting in their units to LED, as pointed out in this recent article. https://www.propertymanagementinsider.com/fact-fiction-led-lights-multifamily Residents will appreciate the improved lighting and the $10-15…
Water and Sewer bills are rising fast
A recent Wall Street Journal article pointed out that water and sewer bills have increased over 5.5% annually over the last decade, three times the rate of inflation. And that pace is likely to continue, due to aging water and sewer infrastructure. https://www.wsj.com/articles/who-is-paying-to-fix-outdated-water-and-sewer-systems-you-are-1521106201 If it hasn’t already, this will pinch the pocketbooks of apartment owners…
Water and Sewer bills are rising fast
A recent Wall Street Journal article pointed out that water and sewer bills have increased over 5.5% annually over the last decade, three times the rate of inflation. And that pace is likely to continue, due to aging water and sewer infrastructure. https://www.wsj.com/articles/who-is-paying-to-fix-outdated-water-and-sewer-systems-you-are-1521106201 If it hasn’t already, this will pinch the pocketbooks of apartment owners…