2. Measurement and Verification (M&V)

A pre- and post-retrofit analysis was conducted using utility meter data, weather normalization (Heating/Cooling Degree Days), and sensor-based monitoring. The goal was to isolate actual energy savings from electrification technologies and evaluate their cost performance.

3. Baseline Adjustments

To ensure accurate results, the baseline energy consumption was adjusted for:

• Interactive retrofit effects (lighting, window replacements, EIFS)

• Setpoint temperature reductions observed in Woodside pilot apartments

• Weather normalization using HDD/CDD metrics

4. Data Disaggregation

For developments with multiple systems (e.g., DHW and HVAC on the same meter at 830 Amsterdam), a disaggregation model was used to allocate energy consumption by system and extrapolate annual performance.

5. Cost and Cash Flow Modeling

Utility cost rates were derived from NYCHA’s historical billing data and applied to energy savings. Three cash flow scenarios were modeled for the Woodside pilot using:

• NYPA-managed EPC costs

• ESCO-managed EPC soft costs

• NYCHA self-managed EPC costs

6. Funding Exploration

An analysis was conducted on the EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, focusing on the Climate United coalition’s $6.7 billion allocation. NYCHA’s electrification goals align with Climate United’s funding priorities, suggesting a viable path for grant support.

Deliverables

This project produced a comprehensive set of deliverables aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and financial viability of electrification retrofits across selected NYCHA developments. A core outcome was the development of normalized energy and cost savings models for each site. These models accounted for heating and cooling performance using BTU per square foot per heating or cooling degree day, and domestic hot water savings were normalized per person per day. This normalization allows for scalability and application of findings to other NYCHA properties.

Cash flow analyses were conducted for both the Woodside and Butler Houses to assess the feasibility of incorporating these retrofits into Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs). At Woodside, three distinct financing scenarios—using NYPA management, ESCO-managed soft costs, and NYCHA self-managed EPC structures—were modeled with varying savings assumptions. Similarly, Butler Houses were evaluated using three different assumed levels of current water consumption to understand how water efficiency could enhance the financial returns of an EPC.

The study also produced detailed system performance reports for each site, which included assessments of HVAC and DHW heat pump energy use, savings trends over time, and efficiency metrics such as Coefficient of Performance (COP). Notably, the analysis flagged an unusual energy performance at Hoe Avenue, where the savings appeared disproportionately high relative to energy input, suggesting the presence of an unidentified contributing factor.

Strategic recommendations were provided to guide NYCHA in future project implementation. These included pairing electrification measures with short-payback upgrades such as water-saving fixtures to improve EPC feasibility and targeting developments with high water savings potential to enhance project cash flows. Furthermore, the analysis explored the potential for NYCHA to secure external funding through the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund by collaborating with the Climate United coalition, whose decarbonization goals closely align with NYCHA’s mission.

Finally, the study acknowledged key limitations such as restricted post-retrofit data availability, the lack of complete temperature control data, and gaps in water usage records at some sites. These gaps highlight the need for more comprehensive data collection in future retrofit evaluations to ensure continued accuracy and reliability in performance and financial forecasting.