Highgate apartments: A low-income housing fuel-switching project at Green Mountain Power

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:192122

Currier, J E

On July 18, 1990, Green Mountain Power Corporation received approval from the Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) to fund a heating system conversion at the Highgate Apartments complex. Highgate Apartments (Highgate) is a low-income multi-family housing complex located in Barre, Vermont. The apartments were originally heated using electricity, both for space and domestic water heating. GMP financed the conversion of the heating systems to propane-fired hydronic heating systems, which also provide domestic water heating. With the Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) expected to require state utilities to provide fuel-switching programs as part of their overall DSM initiatives, Green Mountain Power selected Highgate as a research and development (R&D) project for evaluating the potential impacts that fuel switching could have on GMP`s electricity requirements and its customers. In early 1989, GMP began studying the economics associated with converting Highgate to an alternative fuel source. A joint petition filed with the PSB on July 11, 1990. After approval by the PSB, GMP completed negotiations with Highgate Non-Profit Inc., Housing Vermont, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and the Highgate Residents Association for financing up to $785,000 for the installation, engineering, and architect and general contractor fees for the work. A limited partnership, consisting of the above parties, was attempting to buy and renovate the entire property with the approval of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during this period. The purpose behind the potential acquisition was the preservation of existing affordable housing in the City of Barre. GMP`s involvement was critical since the funding provided by GMP would allow the partnership to allocate additional dollars to rehabilitation of the existing buildings, including energy efficiency improvements, and site improvements.

• OSTI ID: 192122
• Report Number(s): CONF-940129--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
APARTMENT BUILDINGS
CONVERSION
HEATING SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT
POWER DEMAND
PROPANE
WATER HEATERS