In Sulphur Springs, the owners of the 1970s-era The Corners Apartments used the Oncor program to replace HVAC units for 44 apartments.

“These were older apartments and some of the units had the original equipment,” said Evette Berel, asset manager for GVD Management, which owns The Corners. “Being able to get the financial assistance makes a big difference.”

Berel said the new HVAC systems are more energy efficient, which will save residents money on their electric bills.

“For the property owner, it’s a smooth, easy thing to do,” she said. “I would highly recommended it. We received a portion of the incentive when we started. Then you get the rest of the reimbursement quickly after the work is done.”

Prachi Gupta, Energy Efficiency Operations Manager, said Oncor offers financial incentives for multifamily dwellings -- both for low-income and market price apartments. It’s one of several energy efficiency programs from Oncor under its Take A Load Off, Texas effort.

In the case of multifamily dwellings, property owners work with HVAC contractors and apply for the funds to assist in replacing inefficient, older systems. The Multifamily HVAC program is a competitive application process, said Gupta.

“We look at each application and then calculate the lifetime value of the energy savings,” Gupta said. “The HVAC contractor receives the Oncor financial incentive and the rest is paid for by the property owner. The real winners are the customers who are getting a more efficient system.”

Gupta said customers on average can expect to lower their annual electric usage 15-30 percent with the new HVAC equipment, depending on their lifestyle.  

In 2018, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy gave Oncor’s Multifamily HVAC program an Exemplary Program Award based on its effectiveness and innovation in helping customers achieve better energy efficiency levels.

To find out more about Oncor’s energy efficiency programs and Take A Load Off, Texas, go to www.takealoadofftexas.com.