Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance
for Multifamily Properties
 The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance requires Austin multifamily properties that receive electricity from Austin Energy to have an energy audit in the calendar year in which the property is 10 years old.
For more information about enhanced rebate offers--available for a limited time--visit the Multi-Family Rebate Levels webpage.
Exemptions
The multifamily property does not need an audit if it meets one of the following:
- The property is less than 10 years old on June 1, 2009
- The owner has completed comprehensive duct remediation work through the Austin Energy rebate offering within 10 years.
- The owner has replaced air conditioning equipment for all units through the Austin Energy rebate offering within 10 years.
Condominiums
Individual owner of a single condominium unit at a single property must
disclose an energy audit under the rules for Single-family Residences unless
an Exemption exists.
Owners of 5 or more condominium units at a single property must follow Multifamily rules for energy audit disclosure unless an Exemption exists.
Multifamily Property Audit
If the property is not exempt or qualifies for a variance, it needs an ECAD audit.
ECAD Auditors
The ECAD audit must be performed by an auditor who is a certified Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Rater or a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professional. See a list of certified ECAD auditors who have registered with Austin Energy.
What the Auditor Does
The time needed for a multifamily ECAD energy audit depends on the number of buildings,the number of different types of floor plans and size of the property the energy auditor must inspect. The ECAD auditor checks about 10% of each type of floor plan in each building. The auditor:
- Pressure tests the duct system
- Identifies windows that receive more than one hour of direct sunlight
each day
- Inspects and measures attic insulation in the top of every building
Energy Audit Costs
Auditors set their own prices, which depend on the size and complexity of the multifamily property.
Energy Audit Results
After the ECAD energy audit is completed, the multifamily property owner receives the energy audit report. A copy must be posted at the property and provided to current and prospective residents ,. The energy auditor must send the completed energy report to Austin Energy within 30 days of audit completion. We enter the information into a database. City staff also perform periodic inspections to multifamily properties to ensure the quality of the program.
High Energy-Use Multifamily Properties
The ECAD ordinance defines a high energy-use property as one using more than 150% of the average energy use per square foot by multifamily properties in the Austin Energy service area. The ordinance requires identified high energy-use multifamily properties to reduce energy use by 20 percent.
After receiving an energy audit report, Austin Energy notifies the owners of high energy-use properties. Within 18 months of receiving the notice, owners must make energy-efficiency improvements to bring the property within 120% of average, If the energy reduction requirements are met and energy use is still over 150%, properties must disclose to current and prospective residents that their electric bill will be%(the percentage over 150 for that property) of the average electric bill.
Within 90 days of receiving notice, property owners may request additional time to complete improvements by email, or by writing to the:
Director of Energy Efficiency Services
Austin Energy
811 Barton Springs Road, 3rd Floor
Austin, TX 78704
Energy-Efficiency Improvements
Conducting an energy audit identifies energy cost-saving opportunities. The energy audit assesses the performance of air ducts, insulation and the amount of window glass area with direct solar heat gain. Improvements in these areas can increase the value of the property, enhance tenant satisfaction and attract new tenants. To help offset the cost of improvements, Austin Energy is offering enhanced cash rebates. The rebates can cover up to 80% or more of associated costs and are available for replacing air-conditioning units, sealing leaky air-duct systems, adding attic insulation, and other cost-effective efficiency measures.
Enforcement
Non-compliance with the ECAD ordinance, Austin City Code, Chapter 6-7, is a Class C misdemeanor. Customers may report violations to the City of Austin Municipal Courts for review and action.
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