Energy Efficiency Funding for Multifamily Affordable Housing

Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing Program

Savings and sustainability benefits are now available through the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program directed by the California Public Utilities Commission. The program’s new incentive rates can offset up to 100% of solar installation costs for existing deed-restricted multifamily affordable housing properties. By participating in SOMAH, property owners can make their buildings more sustainable while enjoying reduced operating costs. Plus, SOMAH’s free Technical Assistance and Support Services are designed to provide expert guidance on solar feasibility, additional funding sources, and project management. Don't miss out on over $400 million in available incentives! To learn more, visit the SOMAH website. 

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program

The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides funding for property owners of HUD-assisted multifamily housing to implement utility efficiency improvements and renewable energy sources to make properties more resilient against the effects of climate hazards. The program provides funding to owners in the form of a grant or surplus cash loan. Funding is available under three cohorts based on the type of upgrades targeted. To learn more, visit HUD’s GRRP webpage.

TECH Clean California Space and Water Heating Incentives

TECH Clean California is a statewide initiative directed by the California Public Utilities Commission to accelerate the adoption of clean space and water heating technology across California homes to help meet the state’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2045. Through the initiative, incentives for multifamily properties are available to help property owners implement this new technology. Incentives are available to contractors installing heat pump HVAC systems and heat pump water heaters for qualifying customers throughout California. The first phase of incentives is backed by a $7 million budget, with a strong emphasis on equity spending. Incentives are available in two reservation phases and on a first come, first serve basis. Additional heat pump water heater specific funding will be available in the second half of 2023. Projects that do not have their reservation approved during the first phase will need to reapply during the second phase. To learn more, visit TECH’s Multifamily Incentives webpage.

Low-Income Weatherization Program

The Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) is a statewide program funded by the California Department of Community Services and Development. The program provides low-income households with technical assistance and offers incentives of up to 100% of the project cost. Under the program, upgrade opportunities include heating and cooling systems, water heating systems, lighting, appliances, building sealing and insulation, and solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems. Properties are eligible with at least 66% of households at or below 80% of the area median income. To learn more, visit the LIWP webpage. 

Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development (BUILD)

The Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development (BUILD) program is administered by the California Energy Commission in collaboration with the California Public Utilities Commission. The program provides technical assistance and incentives averaging $3,300 per unit for new all-electric low-income residential buildings that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a $2 million program cap per applicant. Building owners that have five years of development experience and have completed at least one low-income project are eligible. To learn more, visit BUILD’s webpage. 

Energy Savings Assistance Multifamily Whole Building Program (ESA MFWB)

The Energy Savings Assistance Multifamily Whole Building (ESA MFWB) program provides no-cost weatherization services to both deed-restricted and non-deed-restricted properties. For deed-restricted properties, the owner must clarify that at least 65% of the tenant households meet the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) income guidelines. For non-deed restricted properties, the owner must certify that at least 80% of the tenant households meet the ESA income guidelines. The incentives under the program are available for units, common areas, and whole buildings. To learn more, visit the ESA webpage. 

California Energy-Smart Homes Program

The California Energy-Smart Homes Program is a new residential construction and alterations program that provides incentives to adopt advanced energy measures and transition to all-electric construction. The program offers incentives for single family homes, duplex homes, townhomes, multifamily low-rise properties, and accessory dwelling units that complete whole building electrification, converting all existing gas appliances and equipment to advanced electric systems. To learn more, visit the California Energy-Smart Homes webpage.