The Mail

Bill McKibben’s article on green energy discusses problems that must be resolved in order to realign economic incentives for utility companies (“Power to the People,” June 29th). The Green Mountain Power model he describes is a step in the right direction: end users save money in the long run without corresponding revenue decreases for utility companies. Homeowners undergo an energy audit and finance the recommended improvements by monthly payments through their utility bills. But this model often does not apply to rental units. In New York and other urban areas, renters almost always foot the bill for electricity, while landlords are responsible for property improvements, including renovations following energy audits. Making energy-efficiency improvements does not result in savings for the property owner, since the costs are borne by the tenants. Many rental units, especially those in low-income areas, have poor weatherization and inefficient appliances and lighting; the energy costs can be sky-high. Until policies that reduce or eliminate the split incentive for landlords are enacted, renters will be left out of the potential for progress.