Integrated Electrification in Multifamily Housing: Lessons from Portfolio Strategies and Pilot Programs

Electrifying multifamily buildings presents a complex but critical opportunity to advance decarbonization, improve tenant comfort, and reduce long-term energy costs. The cost efficiencies of electrifying multifamily housing are further enhanced when considering the societal benefits of providing clean, affordable heating technologies to the historically underserved market segments represented in multifamily housing.
And yet, multifamily buildings face significant challenges in the transition to high efficiency electric heating technologies. Split incentives between landlords and tenants, aging infrastructure, and regulatory complexity often hinder progress. However, with growing policy momentum—from federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, to gas pipeline decommissioning and local climate ordinances—electrification is becoming increasingly viable and urgent. At the same time, the looming energy affordability crisis has raised the stakes on achieving beneficial outcomes for energy cost burdened households.
Drawing on lessons from CLEAResult’s multifamily electrification initiatives—including an active pilot and broader portfolio strategies—this session outlines successful approaches to integrating electrification with utility programs through an “energy concierge” model. This model streamlines outreach, assessment, installation, and incentive layering, while addressing infrastructure constraints, continuous engagement, and ensuring equitable outcomes for vulnerable populations. Key findings emphasize the importance of early planning for panel and service upgrades, leveraging existing program frameworks, and coordinating with community-based organizations to mitigate energy burden. The session concludes with recommendations for scaling these approaches across jurisdictions and utility territories.