Oakland Housing Authority
The Challenge
Increasing water and electric rates in the Oakland area, along with a desire to address tenant-paid utilities, led the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) to seek an energy performance contractor experienced with HUD regulatory challenges.
Our Solution
Citizens helped the OHA to devise a performance contract inclusive of tenant-paid utilities and approved by HUD, as well as one that maximized the available water savings and included significant water and electric rebates from local utilities.
Impact
OHA was the first PHA in the nation to receive approval from HUD to include tenant-paid utilities in the energy performance contract. Utility rebates for water and electric measures total over $200,000 on the project. OHA has received several awards for the project, including a recent Energy Champion award from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Testimonial
With Citizens help, the OHA will save over $300,000 annually for the full twelve year contract term allowed by HUD. Senator Dianne Feinstein complimented the OHA for “leading the way in performance contracting.” - Judy Monnier
