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“We run St. Regis on a tight budget and are always looking for ways to save on operating costs so that we can put more back into the community for our residents, such as purchasing new computers or providing social services,” said Berlin Housing Authority Executive Director Mary-Jo Landry. “In addition to the direct energy cost savings and improved comfort for our residents, I know the improvements will also have a significant impact on our maintenance time and costs – which has taken on even greater importance as we continue adapting to the pandemic. Eversource and the contractors performing the work have been so flexible and taking extra precautions to safely finish the work with little interruption to residents.”
The St. Regis House is a historic 42-unit four-story brick building that was built in 1910 and serves the city’s lower-income elderly and disabled population. The housing authority started its full renovation of the 32,000 square-foot building in April 2019 and connected with Eversource later in the year for recommendations on energy-efficient upgrades and financing assistance to offset the cost of the project. Completed through the Home Energy Assistance Program, Eversource partnered with TCCAP, who oversaw and implemented the project.
“We connected with BHA at the right time and advised them on taking a holistic approach to create a safer, more comfortable living environment for residents while also maximizing cost savings for the housing authority,” said Eversource Energy Efficiency Spokesperson Kate Peters. “Our completion of this project in partnership with TCCAP is a great example of how we can work smartly and safely to advance important energy efficiency solutions and help our partners save on costs during the pandemic. The housing authority has been a great partner every step of the way, and we can’t wait to see how the year-after-year savings help them re-invest in their mission to serve the Berlin community.”
BHA made efficiency improvements throughout the facility, including new efficient windows, LED bulbs and lighting fixtures throughout resident apartments and other areas of the building, attic insulation, bathroom exhaust fans, low flow showerheads, smart thermostats, mini-splits for common areas, and air source heat pumps for individual units.
“Residents keep telling me how much brighter and warmer the LED lighting is and how it has helped their eyesight,” Landry added. “Overall, the building is less drafty and better insulated, keeping the residents more comfortable, and with the new mini-splits and heat pump system, our air quality and overall comfort levels have improved.”
“The BHA serves many residents in our community, and they do a fantastic job utilizing the resources and programs that are available to them,” said City of Berlin Community Development Director Pamela E Laflamme. “We are pleased that Eversource could support their mission and keep a historic building in use, providing energy-efficient upgrades for the benefit of the residents who live there. This building is very visible in the city and keeping it in good condition makes it easier for BHA to do their work for the good of our city.”
Customers interested in an energy assessment or other energy efficiency services and rebates should visit the Save Money & Energy section of Eversource.com for more information.
Photo caption: Berlin Housing Authority Executive Director Mary-Jo Landry stands in front of the St. Regis House.
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