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Marin Housing Authority approves $2.57 million electrification contract for three senior properties
Summary
The Marin Housing Authority Board on June 17 approved a $2,573,673 not-to-exceed contract with Echo Performance Builders Inc. to electrify and upgrade electrical infrastructure at Homestead Terrace, Casanova and Venetia Oaks.
The Marin Housing Authority Board on June 17 approved a not-to-exceed $2,573,673 contract with Echo Performance Builders Inc. to perform electrification upgrades at three Marin Housing Authority properties serving seniors and people with disabilities: Homestead Terrace, Casanova and Venetia Oaks.
Procurement manager Chris Ferbar told commissioners the scope includes removal of gas appliances, installation of electric heating, ventilation and hot-water systems, new service panels, subpanels and rewiring to prepare sites for heat-pump installations and other electrification measures. The contract accounts for known site conditions, including potential asbestos abatement at some buildings. The project team said rewiring and electrical work will be prioritized so additional electrification equipment can be installed later as utility capacity allows.
Association for Energy Affordability is a technical partner and will assist with design and rebate procurement. The contract relies on multiple rebate and funding programs; staff said the project will use those rebates and direct reimbursements to lower net costs. The procurement manager noted the contract contains a recently added indemnity clause limiting contractor liability for utility-side problems — for example, infrastructure limits at PG&E that might cause brownouts or prevent immediate full heat-pump deployment — and robust insurance, performance monitoring and termination rights for Marin Housing Authority.
During discussion, staff and the technical partner explained that not every unit will immediately receive a heat pump because site-level electrical capacity varies; the contract requires installation of conduit and electrical infrastructure in units and common areas so heat pumps and other equipment can be added later when utility upgrades occur. Commissioners encouraged coordination with Marin Clean Energy (MCE) and PG&E and said they would support helping staff engage utility partners to plan capacity upgrades and future phases.
Public comment was offered but no speakers on this item raised objections during the meeting. The board approved the contract by unanimous vote.
The contract is effective upon board approval; staff said they will monitor performance, require documentation for rebate claims, and return to the board as needed for major changes or additional phases.
