Utility Programs Provide a Source of Funding for Energy Improvements in Housing

In many regions of the country, utility programs provide financial support for the incremental cost of energy improvements. For example, Oklahoma’s local utility, OG&E, offered a rebate for geothermal systems at the Wheeler District. In Massachusetts, Mass Save, the utilities’ energy efficiency program, provides incentives for housing that achieves Passive House certification and electrification standards. In New York State, a small Systems Benefit Charge on utility bills funds the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA)’s rebates, grants, low interest loans, and other incentives for energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy. In recent years, NYSERDA has partnered with the State’s housing finance agency, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), to ensure NYSERDA funding flows seamlessly to affordable housing without a separate NYSERDA application. Through this partnership, HCR’s Clean Energy Initiative Program now funds highly efficient all-electric retrofits via a one-stop shop application alongside HCR’s low-income housing tax credit and financing applications. Similarly, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) program provides energy efficiency incentives alongside affordable housing programs.