Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Eligibility of participant(s) 1) The participating organizations must be responsible for determining the eligibility for all customers receiving assistance and maintaining accurate records. a) Households must meet the income requirements of eighty-percent (80%) of the Area Median Income or less. b) Qualified census tracts may also be considered for eligibility upon approval from City of Columbia Utilities. 2) Homes where Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostats are to be installed must have one of the following Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems as the primary system used to heat and cool the majority of the living space or only HVAC system. This is the system to which the Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostat shall be connected. a) Electric furnace with central air conditioner b) Natural gas furnace with central air conditioner c) Air source heat pump with central electric backup d) Air source heat pump with central natural gas backup e) Other if pre-approved by City of Columbia Utilities B. Eligibility of Housing Unit 1) Households must receive electrical service from City of Columbia Utilities. 2) Qualified housing units: a) Single family dwellings (owner occupied or rentals) b) Individual multi-family units (owner occupied or rentals) c) Multi-family buildings of up to four (4) connected units where sixty-six percent (66%) of the units meet the income qualifications. d) Multi-family buildings of five (5) or more connected units may be eligible with case by case approval by City of Columbia Utilities. e) Property owners must provide approval in writing for installation of Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostats at rental properties. 3) Only one Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostat may be installed per residence, unless prior approval is given by City of Columbia Utilities. 4) Deferment of installing an Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostat should be done if: a) The housing unit is for sale, in foreclosure, scheduled for demolition, is uninhabitable, condemned, or there are structural and safety concerns with the housing unit. b) New Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostat wiring being necessary for the installation of an Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostat is not adequate justification to defer the home. The cost of new wiring for an Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostat should be included in the bid cost. If the housing unit is found to have existing problems that would make installing an Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostat impossible or impractical, deferment is allowable. c) The partnering organization determines that the installation of an Energy Star Certified Smart Thermostat cannot be performed safely or appropriately. d) It is determined that the housing unit no longer meets the income eligibility requirements.