Urban multifamily housing represents one of the most complex—and significant—opportunities for energy efficiency programs today. For both gas and electric utilities, driving participation in this segment is essential to meeting savings goals, advancing equity commitments, and supporting broader electrification strategies. Yet many portfolios struggle to build and sustain strong multifamily pipelines, particularly in dense, diverse urban environments.
To unlock participation at scale, utilities should move beyond fragmented program design and embrace integrated, customer-centric approaches that align electric and gas offerings under a unified strategy.
The Multifamily Opportunity—and Challenge
Multifamily buildings account for a substantial share of urban energy consumption, but program participation barriers like split incentives between owners and tenants, aging building stock, and limited awareness of available programs can slow adoption. At the same time, income-eligible households, who are often concentrated in multifamily housing, require tailored outreach and program design to ensure equitable access.
Utilities are increasingly prioritizing this segment, not only for its savings potential but also for its role in advancing community impact goals. Programs that successfully engage multifamily properties can deliver whole-building improvements, long-term savings, and meaningful customer benefits.
Why Integration Matters
A key factor in improving participation is the integration of electric and gas program delivery. Multifamily customers do not think in terms of fuel types; they think in terms of comfort, cost, and building performance. When programs are siloed, participation becomes more complicated, requiring multiple applications, contractors, and customer touchpoints.
An integrated approach simplifies the experience and increases uptake by offering:
This model not only improves the customer journey but also enables utilities to capture deeper savings and accelerate portfolio performance.
Building a Strong Multifamily Pipeline
Sustained participation requires proactive pipeline development. Leading utilities are investing in strategies that combine data-driven targeting with community-based engagement.
Key approaches include:
1. Whole-Building Strategies. Rather than focusing on single measures, successful programs emphasize comprehensive upgrades, such as weatherization, HVAC improvements, and demand response—delivered through a coordinated scope of work. This approach maximizes savings while minimizing disruption for property owners.
2. Contractor and Trade Ally Engagement. Contractors play a critical role in identifying opportunities and guiding projects. Utilities that invest in training, incentives, and relationship-building with trade allies are better positioned to scale participation.
3. Community-Based Outreach. Trusted local organizations can help bridge awareness gaps, particularly in income-eligible communities. Partnerships with community groups enable more effective engagement and improve program accessibility.
4. Simplified Program Design. Reducing administrative complexity—through streamlined applications, clear incentives, and dedicated support—removes friction and encourages participation.
Aligning Multifamily with Broader Portfolio Goals
Multifamily programs do not operate in isolation. They are central to broader portfolio objectives, including performance stabilization, savings growth, and market transformation.
As utilities face increasing pressure from evolving technologies, rising costs, and expiring savings, multifamily programs offer a pathway to:
When integrated effectively, multifamily initiatives become a cornerstone of a high-performing, future-ready energy efficiency portfolio.
Moving Forward
Unlocking multifamily participation in urban markets requires a shift in how programs are designed and delivered. Utilities that prioritize integration, invest in pipeline development, and focus on customer-centric solutions will be best positioned to succeed.
By aligning electric and gas offerings, simplifying engagement, and delivering comprehensive building solutions, utilities can transform multifamily programs from a persistent challenge into a powerful driver of savings, equity, and long-term impact.
If you're ready to discuss how we can align your offerings to drive multifamily savings, get in touch.