Low-Income and Multifamily EE Programs

Low-Income Programs

PNM offers several low-income programs including weatherization, a free direct mail kit with direct install measures, multifamily retrofit program, and free home energy assessments. The NM Energy Smart Home program combines funds from PNM, New Mexico Gas, weatherization assistance program (WAP) and low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP).

The program offers up to $5,500 in energy efficiency upgrades per home, including insulation, caulking, new windows, and or new heating systems. Community action agencies implement the program, using a combination of federal and utility dollars. PNM also offers a low-income Home Energy Checkup program. For income-qualified customers, the program fee is waived, and customers can also qualify for a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator as part of their full energy assessment, which includes direct install measures such as LED lighting, low-flow showerheads, power strips, and faucet aerators. PNM works with the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to leverage government dollars along with our funding to reach low-income participants.

In 2021, according to PNM, it achieved 6,337 MWh in energy savings and spent $2,432,363 on its low-income programs, while serving 13,487 households.  In 2021, we were unable to verify spending on low-income energy efficiency programs for New Mexico Gas.

Multifamily Programs

The PNM Multifamily Program offers incentives for income qualified (IQ) properties, common area and in-unit measures. Common area incentives are for installing qualifying equipment in community spaces around multifamily properties. Examples of common areas include the building exterior, carport/garage/parking areas, leasing offices, interior hallways, lobbies, gyms, pools, club houses and laundry areas. Common examples of associated measures include energy efficiency LED lighting, LED fixture controls, premium-efficiency unitary and split air conditioning (AC) systems, air source heat pumps (HP), smart thermostats, energy efficient window treatments, plug load controls on vending machines, pool pumps, motors, and variable speed drives (VSD). PNM also offers custom measures where applicable. In-unit incentives are for installing qualifying equipment in individual dwelling spaces around multifamily properties. Examples of typical in-unit measures include energy efficiency LED lighting, LED fixture controls, smart thermostats, packaged terminal AC and HP systems, premium-efficiency air source heat pumps and energy efficient window treatments.

The program also offers an income qualified component, which provides increased incentives for qualifying properties. Income qualified properties are determined from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority income qualified listing. PNM offers an interactive Income Qualified Property Listing where customers can verify their IQ status or contact PNM with questions or requests for detailed program requirements.

In 2021, PNM’s multifamily program saved 3,208 MWh while spending $958,820 and serving 6,229 households.

New Mexico Gas offers a Multi-Family Program that provides incentives to multifamily property owners to increase their energy efficiency of their properties, offering a mix of measures such as insulation, windows, furnaces and boilers, efficient water fixtures, weatherization, water heaters, smart thermostats, and other gas-saving measures. ICAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology), a nonprofit, manages and implements the multifamily program for New Mexico Gas.

In 2021, we were unable to verify spending on multifamily energy efficiency programs for New Mexico Gas.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-Income Programs

At this time, VEP&L and Washington Gas do not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at low-income customers.

Multifamily Programs

VEP&L offers the Multifamily Heat Pump Tune-Up program, as for Wahington Gas, this utiltiy offers the Virginia Multifamily Piping Pilot Program which provides contributions to offset the cost of installing gas piping from the outlet of each meter to every residence in multifamily properties.

Updated: May 2017

Low-Income Programs

Austin Energy offers a portfolio of low-income efficiency programs to its low-income residential customers, including weatherization assistance, AC rebate and loans, AC tune ups, direct install, and multifamily weatherization assistance program rebates. The residential weatherization program for low to moderate-income customers that pays for up to $7,500 in energy efficiency improvements in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGYS TAR. The program is designed to provide energy improvement measures similar to those in our Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program. The program also offers an HVAC rebate and loan component with a low interest loan and an accompanying rebate to offset the cost of the system. Local contractors contracted by Austin Energy deliver the energy efficiency measures in comprehensive projects. Some of the measures included in the program are air conditioning tune ups, duct sealing, attic insulation, solar screens, LED lighting, smart thermostats, and performance testing such as blower door, duct blower, static pressure and combustion testing. Health related measures include smoke and CO monitors, as well as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, structural, and moisture-related repairs.

Austin Energy works in collaboration with the City of Austin Neighborhood Housing Program, the Green and Healthy Home Initiative, and with local housing repair coalition nonprofits in a referral network. This network provides structural and roofing repairs to low-income customers, and Austin Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program provides the weatherization components. Austin Energy streamlines its eligibility requirements to make it easier for customers to enroll, and it targets high energy users and elderly customers for its low-income programs. For its weatherization program, Austin Energy partners with community nonprofits such as Family Eldercare and with other city departments such as the Austin Fire Department. Austin Energy also initiated a low-income multifamily weatherization program to focus on apartment complexes meeting certain low-income housing requirements.

In 2021, Austin Energy achieved 688 MWh in energy savings while spending $1,789,348 on its single family weatherization program and serving 625 low-income households..

Texas Gas Service provides a Free Natural Gas Equipment Program for low-income customers. This program provides a number of free services for customers on fixed or moderate incomes, as well as for the elderly and those with disabilities. Services include free installation of new and replacement CO detectors, smoke detectors, wall and central furnaces, natural gas water heaters, and ranges as well as any necessary plumbing or carpentry upgrades to ensure a safe and code compliant home.

In 2021, spendings, savings and customers served were not available for Texas Gas Service’s low-income programs.

Multifamily Programs

Austin Energy offers the Power Saver Program for multifamily properties. This comprehensive program offers no-cost direct install of cycle-saver water heater timers, as well as rebates for energy saving heat pump water heaters, ceiling insulation, duct improvement, solar shading, window replacement, cool roofs, lighting, HVACs, and solar water heaters. Eligibility is determined through an on-site energy audit. Austin Energy also offers the Multifamily Rebate Program for income-qualified multifamily customers. The program provides no-cost energy efficiency improvements to affordable or low-income properties in Austin.

In 2021, Austin Energy saved 4,452 MWh, while spending $3,025,630 on its multifamily programs and served 7,812 housing units at 14 multifamily properties.

At this time, Texas Gas Service does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily properties.

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

Baltimore Gas and Electric offers the EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program to qualified low-income residents, including both renters and homeowners. This program is implemented by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and offers both single-family and multifamily low-income dual fuel programs. The Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development partners with the State and BGE to administer and implement local low-income efficiency programs. These programs provide no-cost energy efficiency upgrades including installation of insulation, air sealing, replacement of old refrigerators and HVAC systems, health and safety measures, and water efficiency measures. DHCD streamlines eligibility requirements by automatically approving applicants from the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs for the EmPOWER Maryland programs. DHCD also administers rehab programs and a lead mitigation program that clients can participate in to solve some deeper repair issues including health and safety items.

In 2021, BGE achieved  4,985 MWh in energy savings on its electricity program  while spending $11,547,075  and serving 2,558 households.

In 2021,  BGE’s low-income energy efficiency programs achieved 0.1 MMtherms in energy savings on its natural gas program while spending, $3,602,517 and serving 2,558 households.  

The City of Baltimore allocates additional funding to support the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Multifamily Programs

Baltimore Gas and Electric offers two Multifamily energy efficiency programs. The first, the Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) program, is a comprehensive program that provides loans and grants to multifamily rental properties for energy audits and the purchase/installation of energy saving measures. While it is funded by BGE through the EmPower Maryland Energy efficiency program, it is run and administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD MD). Energy efficiency measures eligible for funding include lighting retrofits, hot water heater retrofits and replacements, ENERGY STAR qualified HVAC systems, insulation, windows, draft stopping and duct sealing, appliances and fixtures, hot water conservation measures, and renewable energy generation and water heating equipment. The second program is the residential Multifamily Quick Home Energy Check-Up program, which offers the direct install of high efficiency LEDs, efficient-flow showerheads, pipe insulation, efficient-flow faucet aerators, ShowerStart thermostatic shut-off valves (TSVs), water heater temperature turndowns, and smart strips to BGE residential customers, at no additional charge to the customer.

In 2021, BGE’s multifamily energy efficiency electricity programs achieved 866 MWh in energy savings while serving 731 households. The expense for these programs was not recorded at the multifamily level.

In 2021, BGE’s multifamily energy efficiency gas programs achieved  0.0024 MMtherms in savings while serving 2,139 households. The expense for these programs was not recorded at the multifamily level.

Last Updated: January 2024

Provision of Energy Data by Utilities

BGE provides benchmarking for multi-family and commercial customers with automated energy consumption data inputs directly into the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

The city of Baltimore provides community wide energy usage information for planning and evaluation purposes through their GHG Inventory and is requested and provided annually for reporting, planning, and evaluation purposes. BGE provides community-wide energy usage information to Baltimore City government agencies upon request for community planning and evaluation purposes. BGE also provides semi-annually a County zip code report to the various counties and Baltimore City within its service territory, but this report excludes some programs.The 2019 Baltimore Sustainability Plan has identified "total electricity and natural gas consumption per capita" as a measure of success for tracking and reporting.

In 2019, the Baltimore City Council passed Resolution 19-0127R, advocating for the Maryland General Assembly to create legislation requiring the Public Service Commission to collect and analyze retail electric and natural gas supplier actual rates, usage, and zip-code information and data for residential customers, eliminate retail supplier individual residential market contracts, make aggregated supply options that would lower costs available to households, and enact additional consumer pricing and contract safeguards for all Maryland residents who choose third-party energy supply.

Last Updated: September 2023

Last Updated: July 2021

Low-Income Programs

The state of Massachusetts is served by the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN), which is a network of Community Action Agencies, public and private housing owners, government organizations and public utilities that work together to provide low-income efficiency solutions in the state. Through LEAN, National Grid and Eversource participate in the dual fuel Income Eligible Coordinated Delivery Core Initiative (formerly Low-Income Single Family and Low-Income Multi-Family), which serves customers at or below 60% of the state median income level for 1–4-unit buildings or buildings with 5+ units that have 50% of units are at or below 60% AMI. The initiative offers no cost measures such as lighting and smart strips, appliance replacement, water saving measures, insulation and air sealing, and heating system replacement.

Community Action Program (CAP) agencies also leverage additional funding from the Department of Energy and DHCD for heating systems and health and safety repairs. CAPs leverage utility funds and WAP funds for repairs of health and safety measures such as knob and tube removal, asbestos removal, combustion safety, mold and moisture remediation, roof repair, pest remediation and others. Additionally, the City of Boston Credit Union became a Mass Save HEAT Loan Participating Lender by offering customers the opportunity to apply for 0% loans for the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements.

Through the Mass Save Community First Partnership, Eversource and National Grid are providing up to $60k/year for 3 years to implement energy efficiency outreach with a focus on renters, those with limited English proficiency, low- to moderate-income residents, and small businesses in the Environmental Justice neighborhoods of Boston.In 2021, according to Eversource, it achieved 142,842 MWh in energy savings, while spending $30,567,314 on its low-income programs and serving 12,366 low-income customers. In 2021, National Grid achieved 1.66 MMtherms in energy savings, while spending $34,604,006 on its low-income programs and served 8,291 households.

Multifamily Programs

Both Eversource and National Grid offer a Residential Coordinated Delivery initiative. The goal is to deliver a seamless experience and maximum energy savings to every customer, regardless of unit type or ownership structure. Residential Coordinated Delivery includes services to single-family homes, including free-standing town homes, smaller multi-unit buildings, such as those with three stories or less, and larger multi-unit buildings, such as those with four stories or more, or with a centralized heating system.

The Residential Coordinated Delivery initiative creates greater flexibility for customized paths for larger or more complex multi-unit buildings, with custom incentives and savings methodologies that allow program administrators to best capture the unique opportunities of larger and mixed-use multi-family structures. Using a more customized approach for the complex multi-unit properties also allows program administrators to provide property owners with a tailored business case that makes energy efficiency upgrades for residents an easier decision. This comprehensive initiative offers energy assessments that identify all cost-effective efficiency improvement or replacement opportunities regardless of fuel source for market rate properties with four or more dwellings. Utilizing a “whole facility” approach, the assessments focus on a facility's thermal envelope (shell insulation and air leakage conditions) as well as lighting and mechanical systems.

The program also assesses in-unit savings potential for tenants. Improvements that may be eligible for incentives include lighting upgrades/controls, occupancy sensors, water heating equipment, domestic hot water measures, programmable thermostats, insulation, air sealing, heating and cooling equipment upgrades/controls, ENERGY STAR appliances and other improvements as determined on a site-specific basis. Eligible measures for the program include insulation, air sealing, light fixtures, and hot water and heating equipment, as well as heating and cooling equipment, air compressors, and energy management systems.

In 2021, Eversource saved 12,610 MWh from its multifamily programs, while spending $16,315,962 and served 9,911 housing units. In 2021, National Grid saved 1.3 MMtherms from its multifamily programs, while spending $89,000,000. Customer data was not available for National Grid.

Last Updated: August 2023

Last Updated: September 2023

EPB offers the Home Uplift program to its low-income customers. We were unable to verify low-income savings and spending for the year 2021 for EPB and Chattanooga Gas.

Last Updated: March 2024

Low-Income Programs

SDG&E offers the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program, which provides renters or owners with energy-efficient lighting, water efficiency measures, health and safety measures, door and window replacement, appliance upgrades, insulation, weatherstripping, and caulking. SDG&E also partners with over 200 community partners to reach eligible customers, as well as 2-1-1 San Diego who provides enrolment services for SDG&E’s ESA program in addition to other state and local programs. SDG&E streamlines eligibility requirements for customers enrolled in other bill assistance programs. In addition, SDG&E leverages local LIHEAP agency dollars to provide health and safety repairs and services not offered through the ESA program, such as water heaters for renters. SDG&E partners with over 200 community partners to reach eligible customers.

The City of Chula Vista supports low-income weatherization through grants from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Through home checkups and mandatory outreach to businesses through a City ordinance, City staff promote various programs that are available for low-income participants including the ESA program.

In 2021, according to SDG&E, it achieved 1,673 MWh and 0.04 MMtherms in energy savings, while spending $15,836,309 and $8,075,142 on its electric and natural gas low-income programs, respectively. SDG&E served 13,658 customers across its low-income electric and natural gas programs in 2021.

Multifamily Programs

SDG&E offers a few multifamily programs, including the Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebates (MFEER), the Comprehensive Mobile Home Program (CMHP), and the Residential Zero Net Energy Transformation (RZNET). Each of these programs target specific sub-segments within SDG&E’s Residential Multifamily sector and did so at little to no cost to the customer through direct install and co-pay delivery channels. Both MFEER & CMHP offered measures such as AC diagnostics, faucet aerators, low flow showerheads, efficiency fan controllers, refrigeration vending machine controllers, pool & spa LED lights, LEDs lights for common areas, smart programmable thermostats and 48-inch T8 LEDs for common areas at no cost. The program also included tankless water heaters, furnace upgrades and domestic hot water boilers at the co-pay level.

The Residential Zero Net Energy Transformation (RZNET) program is a new innovative way of serving 

multifamily and manufactured homes. RZNET program design is a turnkey cost-effective zero net energy end-to-end solution that transforms multifamily and manufactured home community owners, operators, and residents into knowledgeable stewards of water, electricity, and natural gas. RZNET program participants are put on the path to zero net energy, beginning with direct install measures, a complimentary ASHRAE Level 1 audits, sales consultations acting as catalysts for advanced energy efficiency, solar PV installations, and battery storage opportunities for multifamily and manufactured housing properties. The program liaison coordinates with SDG&E’s Multi-Family Single Point of Contact (MFSPOC) for those properties that are looking for opportunities beyond the program’s scope.  

Within its service territory, SDG&E administers and implements a low-income energy efficiency program, known statewide, as the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP). Within the parameters of ESAP, SDG&E can treat in-unit residences and common areas in multifamily properties. The services offered through ESAP include no cost lighting, air sealing, HVAC repair and replacement, domestic hot water repair and replacement, appliance replacement, and benchmarking.

Beginning July 1, 2023, SDG&E will launch the Southern Multifamily Whole Building Program (MFWB). The program will offer comprehensive whole building services to both deed and non-deed restricted multifamily properties. Program offerings include air sealing of the building envelop, energy efficient lighting, hot water energy efficient measures, and HVAC equipment and systems, appliances. 

In 2021, according to SDG&E, it achieved 829 MWh and 25 MMtherms in multifamily program energy savings, while spending $5,029,275 on its electric multifamily programs and $558,808 on its natural gas multifamily programs. SDG&E’s multifamily programs served 8890 multifamily units in 239 properties.

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

Xcel Energy offers a portfolio of dual fuel programs to serve low-income residential customers, including the Single-Family Weatherization Program, the Low-Income Multifamily Weatherization Program, Low-Income Nonprofit Program, and Low-Income Energy Savings Kit Program. These programs provide no-cost weatherization measures through third-party product implementers. Measures include weatherstripping, insulation, replacement of inefficient furnaces and refrigerators, water efficiency measures, and installation of efficient lighting. Additionally, Xcel offers energy-savings kits to low-income customers. Xcel Energy’s low-income programs target high energy users and elderly customers and streamline eligibility through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) income qualifications. Xcel Energy partners with the Colorado Energy Office and Energy Outreach Colorado, which actively work on low-income customer programs.

Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) implements the utility’s low-income programs. Xcel Energy partners with the Colorado Energy Office and Energy Outreach Colorado, which actively work on low-income customer programs. EOC leverages funds from utility rebates, government funding, and donor funds to address health and safety and other needed repairs and measures. Xcel Energy provides $275,000 in utility funds per year to address health and safety threats tied to energy savings, such as boiler and furnace tune-ups, replacements, and water heater replacements.  Additionally, Xcel offers energy-savings kits to low-income customers. Xcel Energy’s low-income programs target high energy users and elderly customers and streamline eligibility through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Weatherization Assistance Program income qualifications.

The City of Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships (DOSP) supports the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program, which offers energy efficiency services and funding to low-income residential property owners and nonprofits in the City.

In 2021, Xcel Energy saved 42,486 MWh and 2.2 MMtherms of energy, while spending $4,293,738 and $4,838,371 on its electric and natural gas low-income programs, respectively. Xcel Energy served 3,553 electric and 4,420 natural gas customers. Households served include those receiving energy-saving kits and those participating in weatherization programs.

Multifamily Programs

Xcel offers the Multifamily Weatherization Program. This comprehensive program provides funding for a wide variety of natural gas and electric equipment retrofits, process improvements, facility audits and studies for low-income multifamily buildings. The company's rebates supplement federal weatherization grants to produce incremental, cost-effective natural gas and electric savings. Each submitted project is evaluated using a custom analysis by the company's energy efficiency engineers to determine cost-effectiveness. In some cases, rebates for additional energy-saving equipment are also made available.

In 2021, Xcel Energy’s Multifamily program saved 6,103 MWh and 3,164 MMtherms of energy, while spending $1,090,890 and $361,269on its electric and natural gas multifamily programs, respectively. Xcel served 50,327 electric housing units and 239 electric multifamily properties. Xcel served 44,593 natural gas housing units and 200 multifamily properties.

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

DTE offers the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program which provides recommendations, direct installation of qualified energy efficiency measures and education to income-qualified DTE customers in order to assist them in reducing their energy use and managing their utility costs. The program leverages the services provided by member agencies of the Michigan Community Action Agency Association (MCAAA), municipalities, counties, public housing commissions, faith-based institutions, community development corporations, and nonprofit organizations with existing housing and energy programs. direct installation of qualified EWR measures and education to income-qualified DTE customers in order to assist them in reducing their energy use and managing their utility costs. The residential Low-Income Program also includes customers residing in designated low-income multifamily units.

DTE delivers “incentive” funding to low-income customers through a variety of in-kind services, such as weatherization, furnace tune-up and replacement, insulation, water heater replacement plus the replacement of inefficient refrigerators with ENERGY STAR® model refrigerators in single-family homes and low-income multifamily dwellings, and in-home consultation and installation of energy-efficient measures through the Home Energy Consultation (HEC) Program. Low-cost measures such as LEDs, pipe wrap, energy-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators are installed at no cost to low-income multifamily tenants. The low-income multifamily program also expanded its measure offerings to multifamily tenants to include more expensive items, such as refrigerators, also at no cost to the customer. 

DTE streamlines eligibility requirements by using the same requirements as many other programs for low-income customers. Through the Energy Efficiency Assistance program, DTE partners directly with local agencies, municipalities, counties, public housing commissions, faith-based institutions, community development corporations, and nonprofit organizations to offer housing and energy programs. DTE also offers a multifamily low-income program that provides direct install of energy efficiency measures in multifamily rental properties, provides energy information and education to tenants, ensures participation is clear and easy and covers a portion or all of the cost for common area improvements. DTE also offers two additional programs for low-income customers: 1) Home Energy Consultation Low-Income, and 2) Home Energy Reports for low-income customers. As of 2023, DTE was also operating a low-income health and safety pilot focusing on homes in need of repairs outside of exclusively energy savings efforts. These may include basic roof patches, simple structural envelope mediation, asbestos removal, knob and tube wiring abandonment, and/or basement/foundation remediation regarding moisture infiltration.

In 2021, according to DTE, it achieved 27,660 MWh and 2.08 MMtherms in electric energy savings, while spending $24,322,316 and $10,923,245 on its electric and natural gas programs, respectively. DTE served 11,042 electric and 12,649 natural gas customers in 2021.

The City of Detroit offers a 0% Interest Home Repair Loan Program, implemented by the community action agency. The Program launched in April 2015 and offers 10-year, interest-free loans from $5,000 to $25,000 to help Detroit homeowners invest in and repair their homes. The loan can be used for furnace and HVAC replacement, door and window replacement, electric repairs, and other health and safety improvements.

Multifamily Programs

DTE provides two comprehensive programs for multifamily properties. The Multifamily In-Unit Improvements Program offers no-cost direct install of energy-efficient lighting, showerheads, faucet aerators, programmable thermostats, and pipe wrap installation where units have electric water heating. The program also conducts a free energy assessment to identify other potential energy-saving upgrades. Additionally, these utilities offer the Multifamily Common Areas Improvements Program, which offers rebates for common area measures such as interior and exterior lighting, furnace/boiler upgrades, water heating, air conditioning, building and duct insulation, programmable thermostats, and ENERGY STAR windows.

In 2021, according to DTE, the program saved  68,881 Mcf while spending $4,306,000 on electric and $2,597,000 on natural gas customers. They served 3,376 electric properties and 3,500 natural gas housing properties in 2021.

Last Updated: September 2023

Last Updated: July 2021

Low-Income Programs

Oncor offers the Hard-to-Reach Standard Offer Program and a Targeted Low-Income Weatherization Program to qualified low-income residential customers. The Hard-to-Reach program is designed to achieve energy and demand savings with the installation of a wide range of energy efficiency measures at low or no cost. Service providers implement energy-saving measures and their costs are offset by incentives paid by Oncor. Measures include duct sealing, water efficiency measures, insulation, weatherstripping, and caulking. Oncor is also implementing a Targeted Weatherization Program through the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies (TACAA), which provides funds to designated federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) sub-recipient agencies. This enables them to provide weatherization services to low-income residential electric distribution customers. Energy-efficient measures installed include aerators, attic insulation, air infiltration, central air conditioning units, central heat pumps, floor insulation, and ENERGY STAR® refrigerators and windows. Customers are automatically enrolled in Oncor’s low-income programs if they are enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), Home Weatherization Assistance Plan (HWAP), or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Spending and energy-saving values and the number of customers served by Oncor’s 2019 low-income program were not available.

Atmos Energy offers the Keeping the Warmth Program to qualified low-income residential customers in Fort Worth. Measures include natural gas piping repair, attic, and wall insulation, gas water heater replacements, duct sealing, caulking, weatherstripping, wall outlet insulation, and faucet aerators. The program targets elderly and disabled households, and households with children under the age of five. Through this program, the utility partners with local communities, weatherization organizations, and community action agencies to help decrease household energy use. 

In 2019, according to Atmos Energy, it saved 0.003 MMtherms, while spending $53,519 on its low-income programs and serving 51 low-income customers through this program.

Multifamily Programs

Atmos Energy offers rebates for new multifamily housing, which can be used for the installation of new high-efficiency gas appliances. In 2019, according to Atmos Energy, it achieved 0.003 MMtherms in saving, while spending $21,900 on its multifamily programs and serving 73 housing units in 1 multifamily property.

Last Updated: August 2021

Low-Income Programs

The Consumers Energy’s Income-Qualified Energy Efficiency Assistance Program consists of various residential initiatives serving households that meet the income criteria of being at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or 80% of AMI. This program aids single-family, income-eligible Consumers Energy customers to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort in their home. It offers no-cost direct services that include energy efficiency upgrades, home energy assessments and energy-saving education.

The program collaborates with local stakeholders, such as the municipal government, Community Action Agencies, Habitat for Humanity, United Way 211, Housing Commissions, and many additional non-profit organizations. The program uses a variety of delivery strategies and delivery channels, such as home energy assessments, food bank lighting distribution, collaboration with community-based organizations, and deeper weatherization measures. The program leverages other funding sources such as the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and philanthropic funds to complete housing retrofit/weatherization projects. When offering rebate incentives to community-action agencies or community-based organizations, utility program funding is leveraged with other funding sources such MSHDA Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) or available financing options.

The Consumers Energy Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program consists of various offerings for customers that meet the eligibility requirements for the program. Multifamily is defined as properties containing 3+ units under a single roof.  Income qualified is defined as 66% of tenants living at or under 200% of the federal poverty level or 80% of AMI. This program offers direct install of free products including LED bulbs, pipe wrap, showerheads and faucet aerators.  The program also provides access to prescriptive measures for HVAC, lighting, water heating and building envelope improvements. Any projects that do not qualify under the prescriptive measures can also apply for a custom project where the savings are calculated based on actual energy savings.  Customers are also eligible to receive an assessment which identifies recommendations and measures that customers may take advantage of energy efficiency upgrades in their properties. In 2020, Consumer Energy launched a single family and multifamily Health and Safety Pilot. The program works with nonprofits to improve home conditions—including plumbing, roof, mold, moisture, and indoor air quality—that needs to be remedied so that energy efficiency measures can be installed. This pilot program has been expanded through 2023.

In 2021, according to Consumers Energy, it saved 29,991 MWh in electric savings, while spending $14,493,194 on its low-income program and served 130,807 low-income customers with their program.

DTE offers the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program which provides recommendations, direct installation of qualified energy efficiency measures and education to income-qualified DTE customers in order to assist them in reducing their energy use and managing their utility costs. The program leverages the services provided by member agencies of the Michigan Community Action Agency Association (MCAAA), municipalities, counties, public housing commissions, faith-based institutions, community development corporations, and nonprofit organizations with existing housing and energy programs. direct installation of qualified EWR measures and education to income-qualified DTE customers in order to assist them in reducing their energy use and managing their utility costs. The residential Low-Income Program also includes customers residing in designated low-income multifamily units.

DTE delivers “incentive” funding to low-income customers through a variety of in-kind services, such as weatherization, furnace tune up and replacement, insulation, water heater replacement plus the replacement of inefficient refrigerators with ENERGY STAR® model refrigerators in single-family homes and low-income multifamily dwellings, and in-home consultation and installation of energy-efficient measures through the Home Energy Consultation (HEC) Program. Low-cost measures such as LEDs, pipe wrap, energy efficient showerheads and faucet aerators are installed at no cost to low-income multifamily tenants. The low-income multifamily program also expanded its measure offerings to multifamily tenants to include more expensive items, such as refrigerators, also at no cost to the customer. 

DTE streamlines eligibility requirements by using the same requirements as many other programs for low-income customers. Through the Energy Efficiency Assistance program, DTE partners directly with local agencies, municipalities, counties, public housing commissions, faith-based institutions, community development corporations, and nonprofit organizations to offer housing and energy programs. DTE also offers a multifamily low-income program that provides direct install of energy efficiency measures in multifamily rental properties, provides energy information and education to tenants, ensures participation is clear and easy, and covers a portion or all of the cost for common area improvements. DTE also offers two additional programs for low-income customers: 1) Home Energy Consultation Low-Income, and 2) Home Energy Reports for low-income customers.

In 2021, according to DTE, it achieved 1.32 MMtherms in energy savings, while spending $10,923,245 and serving 12,649 natural gas customers.

Multifamily Programs

The Consumers Energy Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program offers equipment incentives to building owners that include lighting, lighting controls, heating, cooling, ventilation, water heating, building envelope and custom measures, for whole building energy retrofit opportunities for major renovation/new construction. The program also includes direct install measures for tenants and common areas that include lighting, aerators, showerheads, pipe wrap, and thermostats. For income qualified customers, expanded measures are offered for air sealing and insulation, smart thermostat and some appliances.

In 2021, according to Consumers Energy, its multifamily program achieved 12,968 MWh in savings and served 94,452 households. The expense for this program is not available at this time.

DTE provides two comprehensive programs for multifamily properties. The Multifamily In-Unit Improvements Program offers no-cost direct install of energy efficient lighting, showerheads, faucet aerators, programmable thermostats, and pipe wrap installation where units have electric water heating. The program also conducts a free energy assessment to identify other potential energy-saving upgrades. Additionally, these utilities offer the Multifamily Common Areas Improvements Program, which offers rebates for common area measures such as interior and exterior lighting, furnace/boiler upgrades, water heating, air conditioning, building and duct insulation, programmable thermostats, and ENERGY STAR windows.

In 2021, DTE’s multifamily program achieved 0.66 MMtherms in energy savings while spending $2,515,602 and serving 3,500 households.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-Income Programs

Both Eversource and Connecticut Natural Gas provide the Home Energy Solutions—Income-Eligible Program to qualified low-income residential customers in both single and multifamily buildings. Eversource also runs New Construction, Retail Products, and Residential Financing programs for income-eligible customers. The Home Energy Solutions program provides no-cost weatherization measures and low-cost energy efficiency upgrades. Weatherization measures include air sealing, duct sealing, lighting fixtures, water efficiency measures, and insulation. Energy-efficient upgrades include appliance replacements, water heaters, HVAC systems, and windows. The program also includes funds to address health and safety issues. The utilities streamline eligibility with the federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) requirements, as well as the CT Green Bank application. The program is supported by Energize Connecticut and utilities partner with community action agencies to cost share for WAP-funded projects.

Additionally, the utilities have implemented its retail lighting programs directly targeted at the low-income segment of the market. They have done this through outreach to local retailers who serve the hard-to-reach (“HTR”) customer market segment. HTR markets are defined as customers not typically reached through conventional retail and marketing channels, and are typically described in demographic terms (i.e., income-eligible, ethnic, urban, or rural). The utilities’ efforts regarding this market segment began in 2017 with a focused effort of offering LED incentives, marketing, and educational focus to HTR retail outlets and local retailers. Eversource and Connecticut Natural Gas partner with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to administer and provide cost-sharing opportunities with the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The utility has limited funding for health and safety barrier remediation and can leverage funding from other sources.

In 2021, according to Eversource, it achieved 6,496 MWh in energy savings while spending $19,925,765 on its low-income programs and served 14,363 low-income customers. In 2021, according to Connecticut Natural Gas, it achieved 0.27 MMtherms in energy savings, while spending $3,696,772 on its low-income programs and served 4,300 low-income customers.

In late 2019 and early 2020, the City of Hartford organized an Energy Equity Challenge, and worked in partnership with a variety of organizations, including Community Renewal Team to promote this voluntary challenge for local residents and property owners. By convening a group of stakeholders dedicated to expanding access to renewable energy and efficiency programs, the City is providing in-kind support that allows for better outcomes across a series of programs related to weatherization, fuel delivery, and utility bill assistance. The City of Hartford also has a Housing Preservation Loan Fund Program, which is administered by the Department of Development Services. The fund offers financing for deep retrofit projects to owners of 1-to-4-unit properties. The City also partners with Eversource to secure the implementation of their Home Energy Solutions Program that leverages selected energy contractors to implement energy efficiency programs to low-income residents in Hartford.

Multifamily Programs

Both Eversource and Connecticut Natural Gas participate in Energize Connecticut’s Multifamily Initiative. The Multifamily Initiative accomplishes comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades by assessing the property holistically throughout the building’s dwelling units, common areas, and exterior spaces. A combination of residential and commercial energy savings measures is evaluated, and custom incentives are offered through an incentive commitment letter provided to the property owner. Tenant-occupied areas (e.g., apartments and condominium living spaces) can receive direct install dwelling unit measures as part of these Multifamily Initiative services. These measures include building envelope air sealing, domestic hot water (“DHW”) savings measures, sealing of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) ductwork, and the installation of energy-efficient lighting. The Multifamily Initiative also provides incentives for many measures beyond the direct-install dwelling unit measures, called add-on measures, which includes insulation, HVAC equipment, DHW heating equipment, HVAC and DHW controls, appliances, windows, connected Wi-Fi Thermostats, lighting fixtures and lighting controls in dwelling units, exteriors and common areas and other custom measures.

The Multifamily Initiative is tailored to the multifamily segment and combines aspects of the Companies’ residential energy efficiency programs, such as Home Energy Solutions (“HES”) and HES-Income Eligible, with the Companies’ commercial and industrial (“C&I”) programs, including the Energy Opportunities, Energy Conscious Blueprint, and Small Business Energy Advantage (“SBEA”) programs. This approach offers flexibility to multifamily property owners and their tenants to save energy and money under a seamless umbrella initiative.In 2021, according to Eversouce, it achieved 4,697 MWh in energy savings from its multifamily program while spending $5,039,953. It served 15,301 housing units in 238 multifamily properties. In 2021, according to Connecticut Natural Gas, it achieved 0.3MMtherms in energy savings from its multifamily program while spending $2,138,162. It served 3,915 housing units in 86 multifamily properties.

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

The Energy Smart 4 Homes (ES4H) program provides whole-building retrofit services to low-income multifamily and single family properties.

Community based bulk appliance trade-ups: Residents in five communities across the state can purchase energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers for significantly less than retail price with the trade-in of an old, working model. Hawai’i Energy sources works with an established community partner to enroll participants, collect payments, organize ordering and delivery of appliances, and share about the benefits of energy-efficient actions.

Hawai’i Energy also supported 170 projects for businesses struggling to recover from the pandemic through the Empower Grant program and continued to provide lighting retrofits to small business and non-profits through the Energy Advantage program.

In 2021, Hawai’i Energy’s low-income energy efficiency programs achieved 15,284 in energy savings while spending $8,025,000 and serving 3,200 households.

Multifamily Programs

The Energy Smart 4 Homes (ES4H) program provides multifamily customers direct access to no-cost energy efficiency solutions, such as high-efficiency lighting and water measures and energy management devices. In addition to work in individual units, the program provides common area lighting retrofits at enhanced incentive levels. In 2021, Hawai’i Energy’s multifamily energy efficiency programs achieved 420 MWh in energy savings while spending $479,000. Participation data for 2021 was not available.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-Income Programs

AES Indiana and Citizens Energy Group partner on a dual fuel low-income program called the Whole-House Weatherization Program. Both utilities share the costs of the program based on the fuel type of the measures installed. The program provides efficient lighting, power strips, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, pipe wrap, air sealing, attic insulation, and programmable thermostats. The program also checks for water leaks and electrical and gas hazards. The program includes health and safety measures such as smoke detectors, plumbing leak repairs, bath fans, and other forms of moisture remediation. The Indiana Community Action Association implements the measures. The program streamlines enrollment by targeting customers who access local food pantries, the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP), the United Way, and local community development corporations.

In 2019, the program continued a community referral program and worked with several local non-profit organizations to promote participation while benefiting the organizations through a referral bonus for each completed weatherization project.

Through the City of Indianapolis Thrive Indy partnership, the city and AES Indiana have committed to working together to increase awareness and participation in AES Indiana’s Income Qualified Weatherization program. AES Indiana continues to work with various local non-profits to drive additional participation in AES Indiana’s income-qualified weatherization program, as well as launched a Community Based Lighting program whereby food pantry patrons receive energy-efficient LEDs.

In 2021, we were unable to verify spending, savings, and customer served by AES Indiana. According to Citizens Energy Group, they served 60 low-income customers in 2021.

Multifamily Programs

AES Indiana offers a Multifamily Direct Install program, which provides low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and LED lights for multifamily residences. AES Indiana also has a Small Business Direct Install program, which is available to multifamily property managers and manufacture homes for the installation of energy efficiency improvements in the common areas of apartment dwellings.

In 2021, we were unable to verify spending, savings, and customer served by AES Indiana.

At this time, Citizens Energy Group does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily properties.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-Income Programs

Evergy offers the Income Eligible Weatherization program for both single- and multifamily low-income residential customers. This program is intended to assist customers in reducing their energy usage by weatherizing their homes. In order to qualify, customers must meet income eligibility guidelines. Optional measures for the single-family program include attic, duct, floor, and wall insulation; furnace tune-ups; high-efficiency boilers and furnaces; heat pump replacement; lighting retrofits- heating system replacements; and water pipe insulation. Health measures include heating system safety testing, combustion appliance safety testing, repair and replacement of vent systems, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, moisture barriers, and others. Additional measures may be included on a case-by-case basis. The multifamily program includes direct install measures such as lighting, water efficiency measures, and smart power strips. Both programs include health and safety measures and target high energy users, elderly households, and customers enrolled in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Economic Relief Pilot Program (ERPP). The program is administered by the Salvation Army.

In 2019 according to Evergy, it achieved 576 MWh savings, whiles spending $838,829 on its low-income programs and served 2,510 low-income customers.

Spire Missouri's Low-Income Weatherization program offers weatherization measures including weather-stripping, caulking, HVAC filter replacement, HVAC repair/replace, and low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads. The program partners with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Community Action Agencies (CAA), Missouri Weatherization PAC, Committee to Keep Missourians Warm, Earthways Center, US Green Building Council, and Energy Efficiency for All.

In 2019 according to Spire Missouri, it spent $21,510,734 on its low-income programs and served 2,927 low-income customers. Savings data was not available.

Multifamily Programs

Evergy and Spire jointly-offer the Income-Eligible Multi-Family Program. This program offers no-cost in-unit direct install of energy-efficient equipment for properties with low-income residents. Property owners are also eligible for incentives for the installation of energy-efficient equipment in common areas.

In 2019, according to Evergy, it achieved 7,542 MWh savings, while spending $4,623,981 on its multifamily program. Evergy served 8,319 housing units in 91 multifamily properties. In 2019, Spire Missouri achieved 0.10 MMtherms while spending $382,030 and serving 2,570 housing units with this joint program.

Last Updated: July 2021

Last Updated: July 2021

Low-Income Programs

NV Energy’s Low Income program provides installation of new energy-saving appliances to income-qualified residential customers. The Program supports customers that have a higher ratio of utility bill to income and are financially unable to replace old and inefficient appliances in their homes. The installation of new ENERGY STAR rated qualified refrigerators and electric clothes dryers, along with other energy savings measures, such as smart strips, advanced power strips surge protectors, lighting control, photocell for dusk-to-dawn outdoor lighting, and LED light bulbs, are installed at no cost to the customer through the program. Any appliances that are identified as eligible to be replaced are removed and recycled in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local guidelines.

In 2021, NV Energy’s low-income energy efficiency programs achieved 1,215 MWh of net electric savings at the meter while spending $2,130,247 and serving 1,486 households.

In 2021, we were unable to verify low-income program information for Southwest Gas.The City of Las Vegas’s 2050 Master Plan was adopted in 2021. The Plan directs the city to work with the utility on a study to determine the feasibility, and/or implement city-led low-income and/or multifamily energy conservation programs.

Multifamily Programs

At this time, NV Energy and Southwest Gas do not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily properties.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-Income Programs

SCE offers the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program to income-qualified customers, which provides appliance replacements. SCE partners with other utilities, community services and development organizations, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and local governments on their low-income efficiency program. SCE leverages funds from the California Community Services and Development Department, including Low Income Home Energy Assistance Funding and Low Income Weatherization Program funding.

In 2021, according to SCE, it achieved 44,383.5 MWh in savings, while spending $81,222,072.00 on its low-income program and served 90,826 households.

At this time, Long Beach Energy Resources does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at low-income customers.

Multifamily Programs

The SCE Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebate (MFEER) Program offers a variety of incentives for energy-saving products and services to motivate the multifamily property owners and managers to install energy efficient equipment in both common and dwelling areas of multifamily properties. The program integrates a direct install approach and offers select energy efficient measures at no-cost which can facilitate onsite assessments and encourage property owners to take advantage of rebates for more extensive improvements over time.  The program targets all levels of multifamily buildings (i.e., low-income, affordable-to-moderate income, market-rate) include those located in Disadvantaged Communities.

We were unable to verify multifamily savings, spending, and customers served for SCE in 2021.

At this time, Long Beach Energy Resources does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily customers.

Last Updated: September 2023

Last Updated: July 2021

Low-Income Programs

Focus on Energy, in partnership with We Energies, provides larger incentives to income-qualified customers for its energy efficiency programs. These larger incentives can be used for participation in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® and the Heating and Cooling Improvements programs. The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program uses a whole-home energy audit to determine energy-efficient recommendations for the home. The Heating and Cooling Improvements program provides incentives for improvements made to a home’s HVAC systems. The program is not specifically designed for low-income customers but does offer larger incentives for low-income households in order to lower barriers to participation. The programs address both electric and natural gas end uses, include health and safety funds, and address water efficiency, and target high energy users, the elderly, and households with children. Standard installations for the Home Performance program include carbon monoxide detectors, testing for and repairing gas leaks, and completing combustion safety notification forms for the health and safety of our customers.

The We Energies Residential Assistance Program (RAP) is only available to low-income customers and includes a home energy assessment and weatherization measures ranging from attic and wall insulation to dryer venting to LED installation. We Energies partners with local nonprofits and community organizations to identify candidates for their low-income program through participant referrals. They also provide money saving kits to community organizations for distribution to customers.

Focus on Energy provides larger incentives to income-qualified customers for its home energy efficiency programs, such as HVAC equipment upgrades and building shell (air sealing and insulation) improvements.  Eligible customers must have household income at or below 80% of the State Median Income (SMI).

In 2021,  We Energies and Focus programs achieved 254,918 MWh and 0.46 MMtherms in electric and natural gas energy savings, while spending $33,948,588  and $ $15,674,273 on its electric and natural gas low-income programs, respectively. We Energies and Focus on Energy served 7,005 electric and natural gas low-income customers.

Multifamily Programs

We Energies, through Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy initiative, offers the Multifamily Energy Savings Program. This comprehensive program offers prescriptive rebates for eligible measures, including common area lighting, and custom incentives for performance-based projects. The Multifamily Direct Install Program offers free, direct installation of LEDs, specialty CFLs, pipe insulation, pre-rinse sprayers, faucet aerators, and showerheads as well as water heater temperature setback services and also offers no-cost vending misers and LED retrofits for exit signs in common areas.

In 2021, We Energies and Focus programs, reported 3,034 MWh and 0.27 MMtherms, while spending $582,014and $209,305 on its electric and natural gas low-income programs, respectively. We Energies served 8,421 electric and gas housing units.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-income Programs

PEPCO and Washington Gas offer the EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program to low-income residents, including both renters and homeowners. This program is implemented by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and offers both single-family and multifamily low-income dual fuel programs. Montgomery County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs offers county residents through a Weatherization Assistance program.

Multifamily Programs

Neither PEPCO or Washington Gas offer comprehensive energy efficiency programs for multifamily customers in Montgomery County.

Last updated: December 2019

Low-Income Programs

Both United Illuminating and Southern Connecticut Gas participate in the Home Energy Solutions—Income-Eligible Program (HES-IE) available to qualified low-income residential customers in both single and multifamily buildings. Eversource also runs New Construction, Retail Products, and Residential Financing programs for income-eligible customers. The HES-IE program provides no-cost weatherization measures and low-cost energy efficiency upgrades. Direct-install weatherization measures include health and safety testing, blower door guided air sealing, duct sealing, installation of efficient domestic hot water products such as low flow aerators, low flow showerheads, and pipe wrap. Additionally, during the direct install visit the entire home is evaluated for the potential of add-on measure installations which are classified as appliances, insulation, window, hot water systems, HVAC system replacements.

HES-IE program implementers work with community partners to promote the program, such as local public health departments, nonprofits running lead abatement programs, hospitals, local housing agencies, and Community Action Agencies. HES-IE also coordinates with the Weatherization Assistance Program, as the programs cost share all energy efficiency products to help maximize the WAP funding on health and safety barriers. Additionally, HES-IE partners with lead abatement programs and hospitals to help leverage their health and safety funds to incorporate energy efficiency into as many homes as possible.

In 2021, United Illuminating achieved 5,326 MWh of savings, while spending $4,956,531 on its low-income program and serviing 5,023 households . Southern Connecticut Gas’s low-income programs achieved 0.38 MMtherms of savings, while spending $3,088,035 on its low-income programs and served 3,120 households.

Multifamily Programs

Both United Illuminating and Southern Connecticut Gas participate in Energize Connecticut’s Multifamily Initiative. This comprehensive program provides customized solutions for existing multifamily properties with five or more dwelling units, and includes: assistance with energy efficiency upgrade projects, comprehensive energy assessments of the building's energy-saving opportunities, and incentives and financing for energy-saving efficiency upgrades regardless of fuel type.

The Multifamily Initiative is offered to property managers, property owners, and architects for both market-rate and low-income properties. The Multifamily Initiative is open to any customer, regardless of heating fuel type, within the UI and SCG service territories. The Multifamily Initiative allows a customer to choose their own contractors and create their own contractual agreements with them for work completed. The Multifamily Initiative provides comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades by focusing on the building’s dwelling units, common areas, and exterior spaces. Tenant-occupied areas receive direct install measures, such as air sealing, hot water savings measures, ductwork sealing, and the installation of energy-efficient lighting. The Multifamily Initiative also provides incentivizes for add-on measures, which may include insulation, heating and cooling equipment, hot water heating equipment, appliances, windows, smart Thermostats, and lighting fixtures and controls. The Multifamily Initiative is tailored to the multifamily segment and combines aspects of the Companies’ residential energy efficiency programs, such as Home Energy Solutions (“HES”) and HES-Income Eligible, with the Companies’ commercial and industrial (“C&I”) programs, including the Energy Opportunities, Energy Conscious Blueprint, and Small Business Energy Advantage (“SBEA”) programs.

In 2021, United Illuminating’s multifamily efficiency programs achieved 2,764 MWh, while spending $3,322,440 and serving 5,092 households. In 2021, Southern Connecticut Gas saved 0.27 MMtherms while spending $1,985,752 and serving 3,334 households.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-Income Programs

NYSERDA offers the EmPower New York program to qualified low-income residential customers in both ConEd and National Grid service territories. This program addresses both electric and natural gas end uses, while providing no-cost energy efficiency solutions including air sealing, insulation, replacement of inefficient refrigerators and freezers, water efficiency measures, thermostats, and new energy-efficient lighting in order to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the EmPower program includes health and safety checks of smoke detectors and appliances. Households that receive HEAP benefits, utility bill payment assistance, or participate in the federal Weatherization Assistance Program are automatically eligible. NYSERDA is currently administering a pilot with the NYS Department of Health, targeting the reduction of asthma triggers and associated medical costs through the provision of integrated healthy homes and energy efficiency interventions. The pilot seeks to validate the health care cost savings to Medicaid, and encourage the reinvestment of health care cost savings for healthy homes interventions for Medicaid clients.

NYSERDA’s low-income programs achieved 540.96 MWh savings while serving 1,867 ConEd customers. In addition, NYSERDA’s low-income programs achieved 15,771.05 MMtherms savings while serving 1,832 National Grid customers.

Additional data on ConEd and National Grid, savings, spending and customers served were not available.

Multifamily Programs

Con Edison offers the Equipment Rebates for Multifamily Buildings in the Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program (MFEEP). This comprehensive program provides prescriptive and direct install rebates for lighting, high-efficiency water measures, HVAC maintenance and weatherization, in-unit appliances, occupancy sensors, boilers, control systems, and insulation. The MFEEP offers increased incentives for affordable rate customers. Con Edison partners with local food banks to distribute LEDs through the food banks’ distribution networks.

National Grid offers a multifamily program that provides no cost direct install of high-efficiency showerheads, faucet aerators and thermostatic radiator valves. It also provides rebates for high-efficiency natural gas heating and water heating, insulation, programmable thermostats, boiler reset controls, steam traps and custom efficiency measures.

NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program provides incentives for owners to incorporate energy efficiency into affordable buildings for ConEd and National Grid customers. A Multifamily Building Solutions Provider will work with the owner to evaluate the building’s systems holistically, creating a customized plan aimed at generating a minimum of 20% source energy savings along with reduced energy bills. For projects that could reach deeper energy savings, the High-Performance Component targets a minimum of 40% source energy savings with a maximum post-construction source energy use intensity (EUI) of 100 kBtu/sq ft./yr.

In 2018, NYSERDA launched the RetrofitNY initiative. The goal of this program is to drive market transformation by industrializing and standardizing the design and construction processes to achieve deep levels of cost compression, which will drive large scale adoption of deep energy and net zero retrofits in multifamily buildings. RetrofitNY approaches retrofits from a whole building perspective and targets multiple health and resiliency benefits as associated outcomes of building work-scope. NYSERDA funds are used in conjunction with other subsidy and financing offered from local, state and federal sources as a financing package coordinated through relevant affordable housing agencies.  

In 2021, National Grid’s multifamily program achieved 1.44 MMtherms, while spending $4,516,246 and serving 231 housing units. According NYSERDA’s data ConEd achieved 7,015 MWh in savings and served 4,521 properties through its multifamily program in ConEd’s territory. NYSERDA achieved 0.12 MMtherms in savings and served 570 customers in National Grid’s territory. Spending, savings, and customer data was not available for ConEd.

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

PG&E offers the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) to qualified low-income residential customers. The program provides in-home energy education, and direct installation of weatherization and hot water measures, lighting efficiency upgrades, HVAC tune-ups, smart power strips, and refrigerator recycling/replacement at no charge in order to reduce energy consumption in low-income households. The program provides health and safety measures such as the repair and replacement of water heaters and furnaces and minor home repairs. This program is implemented statewide by investor-owned utilities under the direction of the California Public Utilities Commission. It leverages the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and Low-Income Weatherization Program offerings.

The ESA Program’s objective is to assist income-qualified customers to reduce their energy consumption and costs while increasing their health, comfort and safety. PG&E has also administered the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program to qualifying customers since 1989. The CARE program provides a monthly discount on energy bills for qualifying single-family residential households, tenants of sub-metered residential facilities, non-profit group living facilities, agricultural employee housing facilities, and migrant farmworker housing centers throughout PG&E’s service area.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC) strongly encourages utilities to leverage funds for low-income energy efficiency and weatherization. PG&E’s ESA Program leverages water agency, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) funding through individually negotiated agreements with the other agencies.

In 2021, PG&E achieved energy savings of 63,235 MWh and 0.05 MMtherms, while spending $81,556,000 and $80,963,860 on its electric and natural gas low-income programs, respectively. PG&E served 103,169 total customers with its low-income programs in 2021.

The City of Oakland offers a Weatherization and Energy Retrofit Revolving Loan Program, which provides income-eligible property owners can access 0% interest loans ranging from $6,500 to $30,000 for weatherization and energy efficiency improvements to owner-occupied residential properties of 1 to 4 units.

Multifamily Programs

PG&E offers the California New Homes Multifamily Program, Multifamily Upgrade Program, and Multifamily Cooling Optimizer Program. California New Homes Multifamily Program provides support and incentives for multifamily new construction projects to encourage builders to exceed California’s Title 24 energy efficiency standards. The Multifamily Upgrade Program promotes and facilitates energy-efficient retrofits of existing multifamily buildings through technical support and incentives. The Multifamily Cooling Optimizer Program is a direct install program focused on HVAC measures in tenant spaces. PG&E also implements the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) for income-qualified multifamily customers.

In 2021, PG&E achieved energy savings of 7,992 MWh and 0.13 MMtherms, while spending $20,336,729 on its electric and natural gas multifamily programs. PG&E served 29,727 housing units in 3,085 properties with its multifamily programs in 2021.

Last Updated: August 2023

Last Updated: July 2021

Low-Income Programs

Both SCE and SoCalGas offer the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program, which is implemented statewide by the investor-owned utilities under the direction of the California Public Utilities Commission. The utilities offer different versions of the program that include different measures.

SCE offers the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program to income-qualified customers, which provides appliance replacements. SCE partners with other utilities, community services and development organizations, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and local governments on their low-income efficiency program. SCE leverages funds from the California Community Services and Development Department, including Low Income Home Energy Assistance Funding and Low Income Weatherization Program funding.

In 2019, according to SCE, it achieved 44,383.5 MWh in savings, while spending $81,222,072 on its low-income program and serving 90,826 households.

SoCalGas also offers the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program, which provides no-cost energy saving home improvements such as attic insulation, water heater blankets, minor home repairs of exterior doors and/or windows, furnace repair or replacement, water heater repair or replacement and other measures to reduce energy consumption.

In 2021, according to SoCalGas, it achieved 0.74 MMtherms in energy savings from the ESA program, while spending $326,178,563 and serving 105,067 low-income customers.

Multifamily Programs

The SCE offers the Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebate (MFEER) Program, which offers a variety of incentives for energy-saving products and services to multifamily property owners and managers. Through this program, customers can receive the installation of energy-efficient equipment in both common and dwelling areas of multifamily properties. The program integrates a direct install approach and offers select energy efficiency measures at no cost which can facilitate onsite assessments and encourage property owners to take advantage of rebates for more extensive improvements over time. The program targets all levels of multifamily buildings (i.e., low-income, affordable-to-moderate income, market-rate), including those located in Disadvantaged Communities.

Spending, savings, and participation data for 2019 were not available.

SoCalGas offers a portfolio of multifamily efficiency programs. The Multifamily Direct Therm Savings Program and the On-Demand Efficiency Program provide energy audits and installation of energy efficiency measures. The Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebate Program offers rebates for the purchase and installation of energy efficiency measures in apartment dwelling units, common areas, condominium complexes, and mobile home parks. The Multifamily Whole Building Home Upgrade Program provides a comprehensive long-term building strategy with energy efficiency retrofit measures identified through an investment-grade audit. The Central Water Heater Multifamily Building Solutions Program offers property owners a comprehensive engineering assessment and incentives for upgrading the central water heater system.

In 2021, according to SoCalGas, it spent $29,055,219 on multifamily programs.  We were unable to verify energy savings and customers served from multifamily programs.

Last Updated: September 2023

APS offers the Energy Wise Limited Income Assistance Program to qualified residential customers. This program serves low-income customers with various home improvements including cooling system repair and replacement, insulation, sunscreens, water heaters, window repairs and improvements, refrigerator replacement, efficient lighting, as well as other general repairs. The program also includes funding for health and safety measures. APS leverages funding from the federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to cover health and safety repairs and other costs when possible and collaborates with community action agencies throughout Arizona. Customers who receive bill assistance automatically qualify for the program. Community Action Agencies leverage funds from the federal Weatherization Assistance Program and Low Income Home Energy Assistance program to address health and safety measures so utility funds can address energy efficiency measures. Health and safety measures include CO detectors, HVAC replacement and ventilation.

In 2021, APS’s low-income energy efficiency programs achieved 3,581 MWh in electricity savings while spending $7,979,215 and serving 835 customers. Southwest Gas administers a low-income Weatherization program for customers in the city of Phoenix. This program includes general weatherization and energy efficiency measures. Water efficiency measures are also included in the program, and the program targets elderly households and people with disabilities. Southwest Gas partners with the Arizona Department of Housing on program delivery.

Southwest Gas spending, savings, and customers served for its 2021 low-income programs was not available.

The City of Phoenix’s Neighborhood Services administers the Low-Income Housing Rehabilitation Program, which provide grants and or loans to eligible low to moderate-income homeowners and single and multi-family rental units in targeted areas and citywide to address internal and external home repairs, health or safety hazards, and to make cost effective weatherization improvements. These programs utilize the City’s General Fund, Community Development Block Grants, Federal and State Grants and the HOME program. This includes the Weatherization Assistance Program, which the city expanded by $4,500,000 in 2022.

Multifamily Programs

APS offers the Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program (MEEP), which offers a three-track approach to energy upgrades. Track 1 provides free direct install components to retrofit the residential dwellings of existing communities including LED lighting, low-flow showerheads, and faucet aerators. Track 2 provides complementary energy assessments for community commercial facilities to identify opportunities for additional savings, and Track 3 targets new construction and major renovation multifamily projects. An additional incentive includes a quality install for HVAC replacement. This track encourages energy efficient building principles by paying an incentive to builders on a per unit basis for buildings that are built to the program’s energy efficiency standards.

In 2021, APS’s multifamily energy efficiency programs achieved 5,365 MWh in energy savings while spending $896,815 and serving 5,096 housing units in 45 properties. At this time, Southwest Gas does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily properties.

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

The Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) administers programs that provide financial support and resources for Oregonians of lower and moderate income. The Low-Income Weatherization program is designed to reduce the energy usage and utility costs of lower income tenants residing in affordable rental housing. The program is partially funded by the PPC and receives 11.7 percent of PPC revenues. That revenue contributes to grants for the construction or rehabilitation of affordable rental housing that is located in PGE’s or Pacific Power’s service territories. Use of these funds requires that at least 50 percent of the units in the project be rented to households whose income is at or below 60 percent of the AMI. Projects receiving funds must also remain affordable for at least 10 years. For each dollar invested, the project must demonstrate at least one kilowatt-hour in energy savings in the first year of operation.

Program resources may be used for shell measures such as windows, doors, and insulation as well as for energy efficient appliances and lighting. The program also provides home weatherization for single- and multi-family, owner occupied, and rental housing). In either case, projects supported by PPC funds for weatherization are required to have a conservation element.

NW Natural offers the Oregon Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program and the Washington Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program to qualified customers. These programs include gas measures such as insulation, windows, doors, pipe insulation, duct insulation, duct sealing, furnaces, infiltration, water heating, and faucet aerators. The program also includes health and safety measures, and targets high energy users, elderly residents, and households with children.

Portland’s Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) provides dedicated funding for climate action that advances racial and social justice, including creating jobs and providing grant funding for community-based weatherization projects. The fund was created through coalition advocacy efforts leading to a local ballot measure #26-201 in November 2018 with overwhelming community support. The Fund is anticipated to bring $44– $61 million in new annual revenue for green jobs, healthy homes, and a climate-friendly Portland. As the nation’s first-ever climate-fund created and led by communities of color, PCEF centers Black and Indigenous people, and other disadvantaged and marginalized groups in addressing the climate crisis.

In 2021, Portland General Electric’s low-income energy efficiency programs achieved 648.97 MWh in energy savings while spending $307,173.65 and serving 1,361 customers.

Savings, spending, and participation data for NW Natural’s low-income programs were not available for 2021.

Multifamily Programs

Energy Trust of Oregon offers the Existing Multifamily and the New Buildings Multifamily comprehensive programs to Portland General Electric and Northwest Natural Gas customers. The Existing Multifamily program targets building owners as well as residents with direct install services, lighting retrofits and equipment and weatherization incentives. The New Buildings Multifamily program works with builders in the design phase and through the construction of the building, providing technical guidance and incentives for building beyond code. The New Buildings program also works with customers undertaking whole-building retrofits. Additionally, Energy Trust offers incentives for small-medium and low-income multifamily units through it’s “savings within reach” offerings which provides increased incentives for income qualified customers.

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) offers low-income services specifically for affordable multifamily housing through their Multifamily Energy Program for Portland General Electric customers. The program requires residents residing in at least 50% of the dwelling units must be at or below 80% AMI (area median income) and these units must remain affordable for a period of 10 years. The program offers three pathways for existing buildings and new construction. These pathways include prescriptive, bundled, and whole building approaches depending on the level of depth that the project wants to engage in. 

Savings, spending, and participation data for Energy Trust of Oregon’s multifamily programs were not available for 2021.

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

NV Energy offers a free qualified appliance replacement program to income-qualified customers. This program allows for the replacement of old inefficient appliances such as refrigerators and electric clothes dryers with new efficient models. Savings, spending, and customers served for NV Energy's low-income programs were not available in 2019.

In 2021, NV Energy saved 1,124.99 MWh through their low-income program while serving 1,486 households and spending $2,130,247.

Multifamily Programs

At this time, NV Energy does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily properties.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-Income Programs

Both Riverside Public Utilities and SoCalGas offer the dual fuel Energy Savings Assistance Program to qualified low-income residential customers. The program offers income-qualified renters and homeowners no-cost energy-saving home improvements through an authorized contractor, Synergy. It offers new energy-efficient LED lighting (indoor and outdoor), HVAC tune-ups, ECM HVAC motors, smart programmable thermostats, computer smart power strips, occupancy sensors, insulation and water stripping and caulking to help lower heating and cooling costs. For over 20 years, RPU has engaged with a low-income stakeholder group of regional partners who provide low-income assistance. This group provides input into program design and delivery. .

In 2021, according to RPU they served 2,647 households.. Data on spending and savings was not available. In 2021, according to SoCal Gas, it achieved 0.74 MMtherms energy savings, while spending $107,122,445 and served 105,067 households in its service territory.

Multifamily Programs

RPU offers the Multi-Family/Mobile Home Direct Installs Program. This comprehensive program offers energy efficiency upgrades to common areas and within individual units. Program offerings include AC tune-ups, replacing incandescent with CFL bulbs, duct sealing and testing for mobile homes, smart stripping, HVAC efficient fan control switches, LED landscape lighting and parking lot lighting, and vending machine controllers. This program was suspended due to Covid-19.

Spending value, energy savings and number of customers served by RPU’s 2021 multifamily programs were not available.

SoCalGas offers a portfolio of multifamily efficiency programs. The Multifamily Direct Therm Savings Program and the On-Demand Efficiency Program to provide energy audits and installation of energy efficiency measures. The Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebate Program offers rebates for the purchase and installation of energy efficiency measures in apartment dwelling units, common areas, condominium complexes, and mobile home parks. The Multifamily Whole Building Home Upgrade Program provides a comprehensive long-term building strategy with energy efficiency retrofit measures identified through an investment grade audit. The Central Water Heater Multifamily Building Solutions Program offers property owners a comprehensive engineering assessment and incentives for upgrading the central water heater system.

In 2021, according to SoCalGas, it spent $25,055,219 on its multifamily programs. The number of households this program served and how many MMtherms it saved were not provided.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-Income Programs

SMUD’s low-income energy efficiency programs include weatherization, deep home retrofits, solar bundle installations coupled with energy efficiency, and energy efficiency products for apartments and single-family, and tenant mobile homes. SMUD partners with local community agency advocates and government agencies to educate and promote their programs.

In 2021, we were unable to verify low-income energy efficiency spending and savings for SMUD.

PG&E offers the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) to qualified low-income residential customers. The program provides in-home energy education, and direct installation of weatherization and hot water measures, lighting efficiency upgrades, HVAC tune-ups, smart power strips, and refrigerator recycling/replacement at no charge in order to reduce energy consumption in low-income households. The program provides health and safety measures such as the repair and replacement of water heaters and furnaces and minor home repairs. This program is implemented statewide by investor-owned utilities under the direction of the California Public Utilities Commission. It leverages the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and Low-Income Weatherization Program offerings.

The ESA Program’s objective is to assist income-qualified customers to reduce their energy consumption and costs while increasing their health, comfort and safety. PG&E has also administered the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program to qualifying customers since 1989. The CARE program provides a monthly discount on energy bills for qualifying single-family residential households, tenants of sub-metered residential facilities, non-profit group living facilities, agricultural employee housing facilities, and migrant farmworker housing centers throughout PG&E’s service area.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC) strongly encourages utilities to leverage funds for low-income energy efficiency and weatherization. PG&E’s ESA Program leverages water agency, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) funding through individually negotiated agreements with the other agencies.

In 2021, PG&E achieved 0.05 MMtherms in natural gas low-income program savings, while spending $80,963,860 on its natural gas low-income programs and serving 6,831 natural gas customers across its service territory.

Multifamily Programs

SMUD offers a custom incentive program designed for multifamily properties with 5 units or more to support switching from gas to electric space heating, water heating, and cooking appliances. Properties with more than 50% of tenant participating in SMUD’s Energy Assistance Program may qualify for additional incentives. Spending, savings, and customer data for SMUD’s multifamily programs were not available for 2019.

PG&E offers the California New Homes Multifamily Program, Multifamily Upgrade Program, and Multifamily Cooling Optimizer Program. California New Homes Multifamily Program provides support and incentives for multifamily new construction projects to encourage builders to exceed California’s Title 24 energy efficiency standards. The Multifamily Upgrade Program promotes and facilitates energy-efficient retrofits of existing multifamily buildings” through technical support and incentives. The Multifamily Cooling Optimizer Program is a direct install program focused on HVAC measures in tenant spaces. PG&E also implements the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) for income-qualified multifamily customers.

For 2021, PG&E began ramp up on new statewide new construction programs: California Energy-Smart Homes New Construction Program and California Energy Design Assistance New Construction program, both of which can serve the multifamily sector. PG&E also offered the Multifamily Energy Savings Program (MESP) which provides property owners EE upgrade services for multifamily buildings of five units or greater throughout PG&E’s service territory. The program provides end-to-end program implementation services, including marketing, outreach, engineering, operations, customer service, data management, and reporting.

In 2021, PG&E achieved energy savings of 7,992 MWh and 0.13 MMtherms, while spending $20,336,729 on its electric and natural gas multifamily programs. PG&E served 29,727 housing units in 3,085 properties with its multifamily programs in 2021.

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

SDG&E offers the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program, which provides renters or owners with energy-efficient lighting, water efficiency measures, health and safety measures, door and window replacement, appliance upgrades, insulation, weatherstripping, and caulking. SDG&E also partners with over 200 community partners to reach eligible customers, as well as 2-1-1 San Diego who provides enrolment services for SDG&E’s ESA program in addition to other state and local programs. SDG&E streamlines eligibility requirements for customers enrolled in other bill assistance programs. In addition, SDG&E leverages local LIHEAP agency dollars to provide health and safety repairs and services not offered through the ESA program, such as water heaters for renters. SDG&E partners with over 200 community partners to reach eligible customers.

In 2021, according to SDG&E, it achieved 1,673 MWh and 0.04 MMtherms in energy savings, while spending $15,836,309 and $8,075,142 on its electric and natural gas low-income programs, respectively. SDG&E served 13,658 customers across its low-income electric and natural gas programs in 2021.

Multifamily Programs

SDG&E offers a few multifamily programs: Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebates (MFEER), the Comprehensive Mobile Home Program (CMHP), and the Residential Zero Net Energy Transformation (RZNET). Each of these programs target specific sub-segments within SDG&E’s Residential Multifamily sector and did so at little to no cost to the customer through direct install and co-pay delivery channels. Both MFEER & CMHP offered measures such as AC diagnostics, faucet aerators, low flow showerheads, efficiency fan controllers, refrigeration vending machine controllers, pool & spa LED lights, LEDs lights for common areas, smart programmable thermostats and 48-inch T8 LEDs for common areas at no cost. The program also included tankless water heaters, furnace upgrades and domestic hot water boilers at the co-pay level.

The Residential Zero Net Energy Transformation (RZNET) program is a new innovative way of serving

multifamily and manufactured homes. RZNET program design is a turnkey cost-effective zero net energy end-to-end solution that transforms multifamily and manufactured home community owners, operators, and residents into knowledgeable stewards of water, electricity, and natural gas. RZNET program participants are put on the path to zero net energy, beginning with direct install measures, a complimentary ASHRAE Level 1 audits, sales consultations acting as catalysts for advanced energy efficiency, solar PV installations, and battery storage opportunities for multifamily and manufactured housing properties. The program liaison coordinates with SDG&E’s Multi-Family Single Point of Contact (MFSPOC) for those properties that are looking for opportunities beyond the program’s scope.

Within its service territory, SDG&E administers and implements a low-income energy efficiency program, known statewide, as the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP). Within the parameters of ESAP, SDG&E can treat in-unit residences and common areas in multifamily properties. The services offered through ESAP include no cost lighting, air sealing, HVAC repair and replacement, domestic hot water repair and replacement, appliance replacement, and benchmarking.

Beginning July 1, 2023, SDG&E will launch the Southern Multifamily Whole Building Program (MFWB). The program will offer comprehensive whole building services to both deed and non-deed restricted multifamily properties. Program offerings include air sealing of the building envelop, energy efficient lighting, hot water energy efficient measures, and HVAC equipment and systems, appliances.

In 2021, according to SDG&E, it achieved 829 MWh and 25 MMtherms in multifamily program energy savings, while spending $5,029,275on its electric multifamily programs and $558,808 on its natural gas multifamily programs. SDG&E’s multifamily programs served 8890 multifamily units in 239 properties..

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

PG&E offers the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) to qualified low-income residential customers. The program provides in-home energy education, and direct installation of weatherization and hot water measures, lighting efficiency upgrades, HVAC tune-ups, smart power strips, and refrigerator recycling/replacement at no charge in order to reduce energy consumption in low-income households. The program provides health and safety measures such as the repair and replacement of water heaters and furnaces and minor home repairs. This program is implemented statewide by investor-owned utilities under the direction of the California Public Utilities Commission. It leverages the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and Low-Income Weatherization Program offerings.

The ESA Program’s objective is to assist income-qualified customers to reduce their energy consumption and costs while increasing their health, comfort and safety. PG&E has also administered the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program to qualifying customers since 1989. The CARE program provides a monthly discount on energy bills for qualifying single-family residential households, tenants of sub-metered residential facilities, non-profit group living facilities, agricultural employee housing facilities, and migrant farmworker housing centers throughout PG&E’s service area.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC) strongly encourages utilities to leverage funds for low-income energy efficiency and weatherization. PG&E’s ESA Program leverages water agency, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) funding through individually negotiated agreements with the other agencies.

In 2021, PG&E achieved energy savings of 63,235 MWh and 0.05 MMtherms, while spending $81,556,000 and $80,963,860 on its electric and natural gas low-income programs, respectively. PG&E served 103,169 total customers with its low-income programs in 2021.

San José Clean Energy (SJCE) and PG&E partner to promote energy efficiency programs for low-income customers. SJCE partners with GRID Alternatives to promote the No Cost Rooftop Solar and Clean Cars for All programs in disadvantaged communities. The City also actively promotes Rising Sun Energy Center’s Green House Calls, which provides households with no-cost energy and water assessments and installations. The Green House Calls are conducted by trained students aged 15-24 from disadvantaged communities, and thereby provide youth with exposure and access to clean energy jobs.

Multifamily Programs

PG&E offers the California New Homes Multifamily Program, Multifamily Upgrade Program, and Multifamily Cooling Optimizer Program. California New Homes Multifamily Program provides support and incentives for multifamily new construction projects to encourage builders to exceed California’s Title 24 energy efficiency standards. The Multifamily Upgrade Program promotes and facilitates energy-efficient retrofits of existing multifamily buildings through technical support and incentives. The Multifamily Cooling Optimizer Program is a direct install program focused on HVAC measures in tenant spaces. PG&E also implements the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) for income-qualified multifamily customers.

For 2021, PG&E began ramp up on new statewide new construction programs: California Energy-Smart Homes New Construction Program and California Energy Design Assistance New Construction program, both of which can serve the multifamily sector. PG&E also offered the Multifamily Energy Savings Program (MESP) which provides property owners EE upgrade services for multifamily buildings of five units or greater throughout PG&E’s service territory. The program provides end-to-end program implementation services, including marketing, outreach, engineering, operations, customer service, data management, and reporting.

In 2021, PG&E achieved energy savings of 7,992 MWh and 0.13 MMtherms, while spending $20,336,729 on its electric and natural gas multifamily programs. PG&E served 29,727 housing units in 3,085 properties with its multifamily program in 2021.

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

Seattle City Light funds a low-income weatherization program administered by the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing called HomeWise. HomeWise provides energy efficiency measures including air-sealing, ductless heat pumps, water heaters, refrigerators, and lighting to single-family and multifamily properties. The program also includes health and safety measures such as air sealing, pest and mold abatement, and bath and kitchen fans. Seattle City Light also provides efficient lighting, water efficiency measures and power strips to low-income multifamily customers through the Multifamily Direct Install program, described in the Multifamily section below. Seattle City Light defines low-income as 70% of the state median income.

Seattle City Light provides funding to the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing. The Office of Housing receives additional funding from the State Department of Commerce and the Bonneville Power Administration. The Office of Housing coordinates activities with local governments and agencies inside and outside the city of Seattle, such as the King County Housing Authority, Seattle Housing Authority, and low-income housing providers.

In 2021, according to Seattle City Light, it achieved 1,996 MWh in energy savings from its low-income programs, while serving 376 low-income customers and spending $2,692,050.

PSE offers the Weatherization Assistance Program to qualified low-income gas residential customers in the City of Seattle boundaries. PSE program provides free weatherization assistance to single family, multi-family, and manufactured home customers. Measures provided include insulation, air sealing, water and space heating measures and health/safety and repairs measures. The program targets households with high energy users, elderly, disabled, children, and tribal members. Households that are eligible for federal bill assistance or weatherization programs automatically qualify for PSE’s program. The program is implemented in collaboration with county and municipal low-income weatherization agencies, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and participating weatherization contractors and suppliers.

In 2021, according to PSE, it spent $496,000 on its low-income program and served 711 low-income customers. The savings value for their 2021 low-income programs was not available.

Multifamily Programs

Seattle City Light’s multifamily comprehensive program consist of four segments. The Multifamily New Construction segment works with multifamily developers of five or more-unit buildings to incorporate energy-efficient technologies and equipment into building design. Seattle City Light provides financial incentives to offset the costs of energy-efficient technologies and equipment. Measures include in-unit lighting, dryers, heat pumps, and advanced power strips. The Multifamily Retrofit segment offers rebates for upgrades to in-unit and common area lighting in multifamily properties. The Multifamily Weatherization segment offers rebates for replacing windows and insulation in electrically-heated multifamily propitiates. The Powerful Neighborhood's Direct Install segment offers free efficient LED bulbs, shower heads, and faucet aerators to owners or managers of residential buildings with five or more units.

In 2021, according to SCL, it achieved 5,812 MWh in energy savings from its multifamily programs, while spending $2,141,436. Customers served by their multifamily programs was not available.

PSE offers the Multifamily Retrofit Incentives Program. This comprehensive program provides a free energy assessment along with a combination of free direct install replacement measures and electric/gas incentives. Multifamily structures and campuses typically have the opportunity to participate, with upgrades in individual units, common areas, and for the building envelope.

In 2021, according to PSE, it achieved 34,150 therms in natural gas savings from its multifamily programs, while serving 17,376 housing units and spending $248,159.

In addition, Seattle City Light funds the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing's HomeWise Weatherization Program. The program targets rental property owners with a majority of tenants meeting income qualifications. Program measures include attic and wall insulation, combustion appliance safety, ventilation and indoor air quality measures, air and duct sealing, pipe wrap, in-unit or central heating and hot water systems, and additional measures as determined. 

Last Updated: August 2023

Low-Income Programs

Duke Energy Florida offers the Neighborhood Energy Saver program. Through this program, the utility identifies neighborhoods that meet the income eligibility requirements and installs energy efficiency measures directly in homes. These measures include LED light bulbs, insulation, duct repair, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, weatherstripping, and HVAC tune-ups.  The utility also partners on the Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program with weatherization agencies and other organizations like Habitat for Humanity to install energy efficiency measures in homes of customers who meet income eligibility requirements.

In 2021, DEF reported 1,009.10 MWh in savings and spent $716,4701. DEF served 670 customers with their low-income programs in 2021. 

At this time, TECO Peoples Gas does not provide energy efficiency programs targeted at low-income customers.

Multifamily Programs

Duke Energy Florida offers the Home Energy Check Multifamily Audit program and the Residential Incentive Program. After completing the audit program, customers can then qualify for Duke Energy’s incentives, such as ceiling insulation, heat pumps, and duct repair.

Duke Energy Florida’s savings, number of customers served, and spending value for its 2021 multifamily program were not available. 

At this time, TECO Peoples Gas does not provide programs targeted at multifamily properties.

Last Updated: September 2023

Low-Income Programs

NYSERDA offers the EmPower New York program to qualified low-income residential National Grid customers. This program addresses both electric and natural gas end uses, while providing no-cost energy efficiency solutions including air sealing, insulation, replacement of inefficient refrigerators and freezers, water efficiency measures, thermostats, and new energy-efficient lighting in order to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the EmPower program includes health and safety checks of smoke detectors and appliances. Households that receive HEAP benefits, utility bill payment assistance, or participate in the federal Weatherization Assistance Program are automatically eligible. NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program and RetrofitNY initiatives also have low-income saving components. See the next section for more information.

In 2019, NSYERDA’s low-income programs achieved 3,031 MWh and 0.85 MMtherms savings for National Grid’s service territory while serving 4,555 low-income customers.

Multifamily Programs

NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program provides incentives for owners to incorporate energy efficiency into affordable buildings for National Grid customers. A Multifamily Building Solutions Provider will work with the owner to evaluate the building’s systems holistically, creating a customized plan aimed at generating a minimum of 20% source energy savings along with reduced energy bills. For projects that could reach deeper energy savings, the High-Performance Component targets a minimum of 40% source energy savings with a maximum post-construction source energy use intensity (EUI) of 100 kBtu/sq ft./yr.

In 2018, NYSERDA launched the RetrofitNY initiative. The goal of this program is to drive market transformation by industrializing and standardizing the design and construction processes to achieve deep levels of cost compression, which will drive large-scale adoption of deep energy and net-zero retrofits in multifamily buildings. RetrofitNY approaches retrofits from a whole building perspective and targets multiple health and resiliency benefits as associated outcomes of building work-scope. NYSERDA funds are used in conjunction with other subsidies and financing offered from local, state, and federal sources as a financing package coordinated through relevant affordable housing agencies.   

In addition to NYSERDA programs, National Grid offers a multifamily program that provides no-cost direct install of high-efficiency showerheads, faucet aerators and thermostatic radiator valves. It also provides rebates for high-efficiency natural gas heating and water heating, insulation, programmable thermostats, boiler reset controls, steam traps and custom efficiency measures.

In 2019, NYSERDA’s multifamily programs achieved 7,873 MWh and 0.85 MMtherms savings for National Grid customers while serving 760 customers.

Last Updated: July 2021

Last Updated: January 2024

Last Updated: July 2021

Low-Income Programs

The DCSEU has a portfolio of programs to focus on different sectors of low-income customers. This includes the Low-Income Multifamily Implementation Contractor Direct Install, Low-Income Multifamily Comprehensive, Affordable Housing Retrofit Accelerator, and Solar PV and Hot Water programs for custom savings approaches. For prescriptive low-income offerings, the DCSEU has income qualified rebates for residential appliances, HVAC, and lighting, as well as retail lighting offerings at food banks in the District.

DCSEU partners with various agencies in Washington, and often works with local government agencies to transform buildings and institutions that offer services for DC residents. In cooperation with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of General Services (DGS), the DCSEU aims to renovate many of the District-run shelters in the coming years. A majority of low-income work in the District is through Multifamily Buildings, Clinics, or Shelters that serve low-income households. Starting in 2019, DCSEU worked with a pilot of home owners to remove gas burning equipment from homes (space heating, domestic hot water, and cooking) and install solar.

In 2021, according to DCSEU, it achieved 5,734 MWh and 0.12 MMtherms in energy savings, while spending $3,928,620 and $982,155 on its electric and natural gas low-income programs, respectively. DCSEU served 3,514 low-income customers in 2021.

Multifamily Programs

DCSEU performs work with multifamily buildings across the district, and also has many programs focused specifically on low-income multifamily housing. The Low-Income Multifamily Comprehensive (LICP) initiative provides custom technical services and incentives for energy-efficiency improvements to low-income multifamily projects, specifically, new construction, substantial renovation, and redevelopment housing. Program measures included heating and cooling systems, domestic hot water systems, in-unit and common area lighting, appliances, controls, and low flow water fixtures. For low-income programs, measures also focus on HVAC efficiency, cooking and laundry, design assistance, hot water efficiency and replacement, LED lighting, efficient controls, lighting hardwired fixtures, motor controls, refrigeration, space heating efficiency and replacement, and thermal shell and ventilation.

In 2021, according to DCSEU, it achieved 5,642 MWh and 0.09 MMtherms of energy savings, while spending $4,565,368 and $2,448,516 on its electric and natural gas multifamily programs, respectively. DCSEU served 2,843 multifamily housing units and 80multifamily properties.

Last Updated: August 2023

Last Updated: July 2021