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BobS10 (Connecticut)
Posts: 39
Posted:
I would like to hear what steps other associations are taking to reduce their energy costs. We are a townhouse setup in southern New England. Every townhouse has two exterior lights, controlled by a sensor that are on all night. While they do have compact flourescents in them, the electricity they consume is paid for by the association.
RickR3 (California)
Posts: 42
Posted:
Bob,

Our association is separate homes and each home pays their own utilities. We have a clubhouse and pool and this where we have instituted a lot of savings. All exterior lights on the clubhouse are on both light and motion sensors along with flourescent bulbs. When something moves the lights come on. We have installed solar heating for the pool.
We no longer use the gas heater for the pool so this has drastically cut the gas bill, the lights and such saved about 10%.

Rick
CharlesW1 (Georgia)
Posts: 826
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By BobS10 on 01/15/2008 9:18 AM
I would like to hear what steps other associations are taking to reduce their energy costs. We are a townhouse setup in southern New England. Every townhouse has two exterior lights, controlled by a sensor that are on all night. While they do have compact flourescents in them, the electricity they consume is paid for by the association.

BobS10,

I too would suggest installing motion sensors for all the outdoor lights or as RickR3 had posted having individual billing statements for such utilities, would be ideal. I think these suggestions alone will help reduce the HOA expense significantly.

Even better yet, since every building has these outdoor lights. I would divide the total cost by the number of units and assess the homeowners individually.

I have a friend here in Georgia, who pays a small fee to the electric company for the power supplied to the street lamp in front of his house. GREAT IDEA, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO THAT VERY SAME THING FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS WITH NO SUCCESS.

Why should homeowners in good standing pay for those who continue to “MOOCH” off those who continue to pay their assessments and on time. It’s the homeowners who don’t pay their assessments yet still get to enjoy the beautiful landscaping within the community, seasonal color and the power supplied to light up the street lamps, etc are all paid for by members in good standings, yet there isn’t anything and board can do other than pay the bill! YAMMA

So WHY do HOA’s continue to pay for the electricity supplied to these light lamps, that are owned by the city?

I can guarantee that “IF” the HO decided not to pay their fair share the city wouldn’t have any problems taking them to court to resolve the issue, ultimately relieving the HOA of these additional expenses and still maintaining the integrity of the community.

Wouldn’t you agree?!

Chuck W.

Charles E. Wafer Jr.
PaulM (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 1,347
Posted:
BobS10: Have you thought of holding a town hall meeting to solicit possible solutions from residents themselves?
JanP1 (Arizona)
Posts: 76
Posted:
Great suggestions - Also ask your local utilities to provide an engergy audit, most of the utilities out here will do an audit for free and will be happy to participate in an energy fair for you and your neighbors.

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