Nationwide Energy Partners Says Central Ohio Needs More Innovation in Multifamily Housing to Accommodate Population Growth

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), population in the 15-county Central Ohio region is predicted to increase by 77% by 2050. While growth is exciting, it also brings new challenges, especially when it comes to housing.

More people mean higher demand for places to live, including multifamily housing like apartments and condos. This demand will increase pressure on rising rents and the overall cost of living. At the same time, developers and property owners are facing challenges when trying to invest in modern, efficient infrastructure – like smart thermostats, leak detection systems, and energy-saving devices. Current regulations make it tough because multifamily properties don't neatly fit into existing categories like commercial, industrial, or residential.

Multifamily properties use significant amounts of energy, much like commercial and industrial buildings. However, they don't get the same access to cost-saving energy deals, even when property owners take proactive steps to cap energy bills and provide smart technology to help residents manage their usage. This disparity leaves multifamily housing at a disadvantage, driving up costs for both property owners and residents.

One practical solution is to modernize how multifamily properties deliver energy, and that's where Senate Bill 108 comes in. SB 108 would give the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) clear authority to oversee behind-the-meter technologies – like smart thermostats, EV charging stations, water usage monitors, and leak detection systems – making it easier for property owners to invest in innovative solutions without raising rents.

Crucially, SB 108 will also clarify that behind-the-meter companies are not public utilities, cutting through regulatory red tape and opening the door to private investment in modern housing infrastructure.

"The bill balances consumer protection services with access to energy-saving technologies and ensures residents never pay more for energy than they would through their host utility," said Timothy J. Harper, President & CEO of Nationwide Energy Partners, a Columbus-based company that offers energy management services to multi-family communities.

Moreover, SB 108 supports the free market by pushing back against utilities that often hinder innovation and investment. By empowering private companies to compete and offer better solutions, the bill creates opportunities for property owners to improve housing quality and affordability while promoting a more modern and sustainable energy landscape.

"Multifamily housing and the people who live there should not be left behind as Ohio grows and moves toward a smarter, more connected future," added Harper.

Senate Bill 108 offers a practical solution to keep housing affordable while encouraging private investment in technology that can make rental living better for everyone.

SOURCE Nationwide Energy Partners