Savings reach whoever pays the bill the upgrade affects. In most multifamily properties, that means water, sewer, central hot water and common-area energy savings reach the owner, while in-unit electricity savings reach the residents who pay those bills.
So the first question for any upgrade is not how much it saves, but on whose bill.
Map the bills first
Before looking at any measure, list each utility bill and who pays it:
| Bill | Usually paid by | Upgrades that cut it |
|---|---|---|
| Water and sewer | Owner | WaterSense showerheads and faucet aerators |
| Central hot water (gas) | Owner | Showerheads, aerators, hot water pipe insulation |
| Common-area electricity | Owner | LED lighting in hallways, garages and amenity spaces |
| Common-area heating and cooling | Owner | Thermostats and larger common-area projects |
| In-unit electricity | Resident, when units are metered separately | LED lighting in units, thermostats on in-unit systems |
The pattern changes from building to building. Where the owner pays for heat or for every unit’s electricity on a master meter, more of the savings move to the owner’s side.
Where owners see the most
Properties with central gas hot water, where the owner also pays water and sewer, tend to gain most. A single low-flow showerhead reduces both the water bill and the gas used to heat that water, and both bills are the owner’s.
Common areas run around the clock and sit entirely on the owner’s account, so lighting and controls there are a direct operating expense reduction.
In-unit upgrades still count
Upgrades that lower residents’ bills do not reach the owner’s operating budget, but they are not wasted. When they are funded at no capital cost, residents pay less, units get newer equipment, and the property has a clear story to tell at renewal.
How ONPEAK reports it
Our owner report separates projected savings into what reaches your operating budget and what reaches your residents, alongside the approved measures and an upgrade roadmap. You see which measures pay you and which pay your residents before installation begins.
For the funding side of the question, read Do Chicago multifamily properties qualify for no-cost ComEd upgrades?
See how the program works or request your free scan. Send your addresses and recent bills and we map every bill to the owner or the residents.