The Pittsburgh Housing Authority board voted today to start a $25.1 million push to lower utility costs at most of its units citywide, and by September residents will start getting visits from contractors assigned to altering their long-inefficient apartments.

The authority chose Minneapolis-based Honeywell International for the job 13 months ago, following a highly contentious three-company competition for the job. The contract has the authority borrowing $25.1 million to pay Honeywell, along with a $72,342 annual payment for some utility measurement services. In return, Honeywell guarantees that the authority will see its utility bills drop at least enough to repay the debt over 12 years. If the savings don't match or exceed the cost, Honeywell must make up the difference.

Authority Executive Director A. Fulton Meachem Jr. said the process will start with a September "energy fair" in which residents will learn how to conserve resources. Shortly after, they will start getting knocks at the door from Honeywell subcontractors who will put in more efficient toilets, add water regulators, change heating and cooling systems and make other efficiency improvements.

The process will last about 18 months and involve changes to most of the authority's 5,000-plus units.

Mr. Meachem said Honeywell has committed that its subcontractors will hire at least 14 authority residents. "Hopefully, at some point in time, this can turn into permanent employment," for some or all of those residents, Mr. Meachem said.