Communal Lighting Costs

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  • This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 12 years ago by .
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  • 15/09/2014 at 12:18 pm #9695 Reply | Quote
    raysykes35

      Hi Jimmy

       

      I am an owner occupier of a unit within a block of 11 in Brookvale (NSW 2100).  Myself and 1 other owner form the exec committee.  Due to us having the 2 largest units in the block we actually make up 25% of the voting rights/costs.  We get on well and there are very few issues in the units – most relate to the tenants in 2 of the units which are not owner occupied. 

      Last year was my first general/annual meeting and I was amazed at some of the costs charged for specific services. 

      I have already been able to reduce the strata/buildings insurance premium by 20% by not going with the Strata companies broker – who just happened to pay a commission roughly equal to the amount we saved! 

      The next cost I want to tackle is the communal electricity charges.  There is a lot of communal area lighting, particularly the garage as it is on multiple levels due to the building being on a slope.  The annual cost last year was $4500

      The lighting is all old fashioned strip lights.  We have already removed 1 of the 2 bulbs in each light to try and reduce costs. 

      During the day we only have half of the lights are on, but at night and all night all the lights are on – but with just 1 bulb as per above. 

      During the day most units are empty and at night the garage is hardly used so having lights on all day/night is unnecessary. 

      We have an upcoming annual meeting and I would like to put forward a suggestion that we change the lighting to include timer switches at each entry/exit door as well as the garage door.  

      Are there any health and safety laws that would not allow us to do this? 

      There is a very healthy balance of funds in the sinking fund that could pay for the electrical work without having to increase the strata fees. 

      The other option I was considering was adding solar panels to the roof of the building (on the roof of the other exec committee members unit).  The units face east to west and would be able to capture a lot of sunlight.  Do strata companies qualify for any govt grants to add solar panels?

      Regards Ray

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    Reply To: Reply #22264 in Communal Lighting Costs
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