The thermostat will be out of the control of residents in two more local buildings, a few years after the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation installed energy management systems in four of its properties.
”Not all tenants take into consideration energy costs when heat is paid by the landlord and units are often well above 24.4 degrees Celsius,” said Jeff Barban, director of Community Housing and Development for SSMHC, in a report to its board.
That increase in heat causes adjacent units to also warm up, resulting in windows being opened and increased energy costs all around, said Barban.
In 2018, SSMHC installed energy management systems (EMS) in four of its apartment buildings: 101 Chapple Ave., 345 St. Georges Ave., 588 Albert St., and 55 Chapple Ave.
Barban said in 2020 a review of a full year of energy bills resulted in a cost saving of $22,978.48.
On Thursday, the SSMHC board approved the additional installation costs of adding the system to two more of its buildings, 49 St. Mary’s River Dr. and 137 East St. for a total cost of $95,299.77.
The installation will be non-invasive for tenants, with all work being done at the electrical panel.
In his report, Barban said the cost of the additional EMS will be recovered in just over two years from the energy savings it creates.
The installation of the EMS also provides an annual reduction of 4,937 kg in Green House Gas emissions, he noted.
Upon completion, the project will be eligible for a $23,716 rebate from the Ontario government’s Save On Energy Program.
In an email, board chair Luke Dufour noted the cost to taxpayers will almost entirely be offset by the amount of the rebate.
”It will also help ensure a continued decrease in building emissions over the life of the asset,” he added.