O&M on Private Property
Ongoing operation and maintenance is critical to the success of distributed infrastructure and requires intentional efforts in connection with private property where the installation has been paid for with public dollars.
A benefit of installing distributed infrastructure on private property is that the property owner is typically responsible for the ongoing O&M. This shifts these costs off utility budgets, serving as a type of cost-share with property owners.
Cities and utilities providing financial incentives to install landscape transformation, GSI or other types of private property distributed infrastructure, have found that legally binding agreements in exchange for the incentive are a successful way to ensure the property owner does the needed upkeep. These can include O&M contracts, conservation easements, or other enforceable covenants. These agreements can also ensure that the installations and O&M responsibilities remain place or if the property is sold.
