Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program

Our Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program offers incentives for the installation of energy efficient equipment and technology in affordable multifamily buildings of five or more units. Energy efficient equipment will reduce overall energy usage and maintenance costs, while increasing operating efficiencies and improving your tenants’ comfort. Efficient buildings also release fewer carbon emissions, helping to support New York State’s climate goals.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Owners, agents, or property managers with affordable multifamily buildings that include five or more residential units may be eligible to participate. If the building you manage is designated as affordable housing, you may qualify for energy efficient retrofits that can help you reduce energy costs. Affordable multifamily housing is defined as buildings that have regulatory agreements with a housing agency or in which at least 25% of the units are, or are expected to be, occupied by households earning not more than 80% of the Area Median Income or State Median Income, whichever is greater. Supporting documentation must be provided to participate. View the full list of accepted documentation.

For detailed information, refer to our program guidelines for overall program rules and measure specific requirements. 

INCENTIVE STRUCTURE

The program is structured with two options: A Comprehensive Plan and a Non-Comprehensive Plan. 

The Comprehensive Plan provides whole-building retrofits across multiple building systems such as insulation, lighting, heating and cooling. These types of projects provide more significant efficiency upgrades and greater incentives. An energy audit is required for these projects. Incentives are applied based on a system of accumulated points. Incentives up to $1,200 per dwelling unit are available. View our Comprehensive Incentive Structure for details.

The Non-Comprehensive Plan are smaller-scaled projects that do not require technical assistance. Incentives for projects based on the non-comprehensive plan are determined by the equipment installed and/or energy savings. We also offer free installation in dwelling units of quick, easy measures such as LED lights, low flow showerheads, and faucet aerators. 

Download our Fact Sheet to learn more about our incentive structure.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR ENERGY AUDITS

Energy audits are conducted by energy consultants before the project begins. These help identify energy efficiency opportunities and determine an initial scope of your project. To encourage and support comprehensive projects, NYSERDA has a list of energy consultants on their website. The program covers up to 75% of the costs associated with these assessments by providing:

• A 50% cost share when the assessment is completed
• An additional 25% when the building proceeds with a comprehensive energy retrofit 

If a building has recently gone through an energy audit, they may be exempt from this requirement. Examples of eligible audits include ASHRAE Level I, ASHRAE Level II, or an Integrated Physical Needs Assessment (IPNA). 

Interested in becoming an eligible energy consultant? Learn more to become a NYSERDA Multifamily Building Solutions Provider or a NYSERDA FlexTech Consultant. 

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS

Contractors are an essential part of this program and are encouraged to join our list of Participating Contractors. Participating Contractors in good standing may be allowed to accept incentive payments on behalf of the customer.

To become eligible as a Participating Contractor, complete a Participating Contractor application and follow the instructions to submit to the utility in your service area. For additional information, view our Participating Contractor Agreement.

ROADMAP TO COMPLETION

READY TO PARTICIPATE OR NEED MORE INFORMATION? 

If you’re ready to pursue an eligible project, submit an application to MFEnergySavings@RISEEngineering.com.

Questions? Email MFEnergySavings@RISEEngineering.com or call 800.444.5668.

If you have questions or need additional information, please submit an interest form to be contacted by an implementation contractor before submitting your application.

Note: If this property doesn’t qualify as affordable housing, you may be eligible for our Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program.