Lawrence Board Pushes for Renter Energy Cost Transparency

Renters in Lawrence, Kansas could soon know exactly how much they'll pay in utilities before moving in, thanks to a proposal from the city's Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board.

Board Chair Nancy Muma pitched an energy benchmarking policy to Mayor Brad Finkeldei on March 26 that would require landlords to report their buildings' energy consumption data annually. The information would become public record, giving prospective tenants real numbers about heating, cooling, and electricity costs.

"We think it's really important that we do something to make the utility costs transparent to renters so that they can take into consideration the cost, not only of the rent, but also their utilities," Muma told the mayor. For renters hunting apartments, that transparency could mean the difference between an affordable home and a budget buster.

The policy could do double duty. Board members believe making energy data public would motivate landlords to upgrade insulation, windows, and heating systems, reducing both tenant bills and greenhouse gas emissions citywide.

But the proposal faces timing challenges. Lawrence adopted an ambitious ordinance in 2020 pledging 100% clean renewable energy by 2035, and city staff now say that goal isn't realistic.

Why This Inspires

The board's persistence shows how local advocacy can create practical wins for everyday people. While the city debates big climate goals, board members are staying focused on immediate help for renters who often have no way to predict their utility costs until the first bill arrives.

Sustainability Director Kathy Richardson, the city's only environmental staff member, wants to shift the 2035 target to a more achievable climate neutrality goal by 2050. She's working with board members to prioritize which programs matter most as budget planning begins.

Board member Chris Reimer remains optimistic even if the commission changes the ordinance to a resolution. "I don't think that ends the push for the development of ordinances that actually operationalize that resolution," he said.

The board voted to send their recommendations to city commissioners, knowing they're planting seeds for future progress.

Small changes like transparent energy data give renters power to make informed decisions about their homes and their budgets.