In the multifamily game, there are people who make decisions about a property’s energy sources who are not the same people paying the bills. CenterPoint sales staff consultant Josh Tingler says the bottom line is that builders are trying to build the property as cheaply as possible (that means electric utilities, not gas). Tenants, however, love to cook with gas. CenterPoint Energy’s Gas Advantage MultiFamily Program offers developers favorable utility allowances and incentives, as well as training and cooperative advertising. Developers agree to install a year-round natural gas appliance (like a water heater) in each residence and allow for individual-unit metering, among other requirements. Josh says that this wasn’t much of an issue even a decade ago, but now his program is attracting about 40% of the market as Houston becomes denser with high-rises and other vertical projects. Clients include Allied, Trammell Crow, Alliance, Hines and Finger Cos. Here’s Josh receiving an award earlier this year for being the marketing committee chair for The Texas Gas Association. The award was presented by CenterPoint customer service VP Steven Greenley. For more information on our Bisnow partner, click here.