For a baseline utility analysis, where should the owner request utility data for each bedroom size?

The correct choice involves understanding the sources from which utility data can be gathered for a baseline utility analysis. The owner can reasonably request utility data from both the local utility company and resident households.

Requesting data from the local utility company is beneficial because these entities typically maintain comprehensive records of utility usage for different housing types, including multifamily dwellings. They can provide consistent, objective data that reflects the overall energy consumption patterns for the entire property, broken down by bedroom size. This data may also include historic usage trends that are critical for a thorough analysis.

On the other hand, tapping into resident households can yield valuable information about actual consumption patterns. Residents can provide insights based on their specific behaviors and lifestyle choices, which can affect utility consumption. For example, different bedroom sizes may correlate with different occupancy levels and, consequently, various utility usage levels.

Combining data from both the local utility company and resident households can provide a more complete and accurate picture of utility consumption, leading to a more effective baseline utility analysis for the multifamily property. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the analysis accounts for both standardized utility usage data and personalized resident insights.