Austin Energy Efficiency Ordinance Overview
In an effort to follow suit with other green-leading cities in our nation, Austin has taken pro-active steps to increase the energy efficiency of Austin homes.
Starting June 1st, homeowners selling their property must now disclose the energy efficiency of their property to their buyers. Here's how it works.
First, your home must qualify to need the energy audit. Your home qualifies if it meets these criteria:
- Built over 10 years ago
- Is in the Austin city limits
- Uses Austin Energy as an energy service provider
There are a few exceptions. If your property is a condo, or mobile home, you are exempt. Also, there is a long list of energy saving tasks you can perform on your property approved by the city. If you complete three of them or more, your home is exempt.
After an audit is done on a qualifying property, another audit will not be necessary for another 10 years.
If you are a seller, selling a dilapidated property to an investor who is going to do substantial remodeling to it, you can sign an agreement with the buyer in which they are responsible for submitting the proper demo/remodeling permits to the city within 6 months of the sale. This will alleviate the seller from performing an energy audit.
You must use an auditor approved through Austin energy. A list of approved auditors can be found here...
www.austinenergy.com/go/ecad
The price of an audit is not fixed, but you should expect to spend somewhere between $300 - $400.
If you have any specific questions or concerns, you can contact us or call the Energy Conservation Programs Office at (512) 974-7827.
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Austin Energy Ordinance
