Pillar 3
Advance Energy Efficiency while Reducing Energy Burden
Energy use in buildings is the greatest source of GHG emissions in our community, coming in at 76% of emissions from buildings. Additionally, much of the energy that St. Louis City receives comes from coal and natural gas. These sectors are challenging for the City to control. Therefore, this Pillar focuses on increasing access to resources and initiatives that help building and home owners understand their energy use and promote upgrades. These upgrades reduce energy and water use while improving overall health and affordability.
"Three months after moving into my new apartment--my electric bills suddenly increased to four or five times their previous levels. I called the electric company to ask them to check the meter. The company would not come out unless invited by the landlord and the landlord would not agree.... I found partial bill assistance through charities and reduced my use of electricity to the absolute minimum.... Even with this adjustment, I still continued to receive extremely high electric bills."
- MJ, Dutchtown