The California Public Utilities Commission is accelerating the process of installing energy efficient appliances in rent-subsidized multi-unit apartment buildings, according to the website of WPCC.

The story says that $400 million that is set aside annually to fund efficiency upgrades has gone unspent due to state rules. The CPUC has directed Southern California Edison, the Southern California Gas Company, San Diego Gas & Electric and PG&E to provide the appliances to these properties. The story says that the initiative, which is funded at $80 million, lifts some of the rules that had made the funding impossible.

The PUC also changed rules regarding water heaters and lighting, the story said.

Apartments can be a great source of savings. The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) says that energy efficiency efforts in multifamily buildings potentially can save almost $3.4 billion annually. The report is entitled “Catalyzing Efficiency: Unlocking Energy Information and Value in Apartment Buildings.”