California Multifamily Energy Efficiency Programs: Current Status
Last checked:
A dated directory of whole-building multifamily energy programs in California. Programs open, pause and change terms, so every entry says "check current status". Confirm with the administrator before you budget.
- California multifamily only
- Owner and manager inquiries
- Incentive check included
- Free, no-obligation assessment
This directory may be out of date. Check each program's official page.
Directory by territory
| Program | Area | Focus | Status | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoCalREN MultifamilySouthern California Regional Energy Network | Southern California | Existing multifamily properties; technical assistance and incentives | Check current status | socalren.org/multifamily |
| BayREN Multifamily (Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements)Bay Area Regional Energy Network | San Francisco Bay Area | Multifamily properties; consulting and rebates | Check current status | bayren.org/multifamily |
| Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Multifamily Whole BuildingInvestor-owned utilities under the CPUC Energy Savings Assistance program | Investor-owned utility territories | Income-qualified multifamily properties; whole-building, common-area and in-unit upgrades | Check current status | SCE ESA program PG&E ESA program |
| Low-Income Weatherization Program, Multi-FamilyCalifornia Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) | Statewide | Low-income multifamily buildings; efficiency and solar, with technical assistance | Check current status | CSD Multi-Family program |
| Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction (179D)IRS (federal) | Nationwide | Federal tax deduction; check which multifamily buildings qualify | Check current status | IRS 179D page |
| Credit for Builders of Energy-Efficient Homes (45L)IRS (federal) | Nationwide | Federal tax credit for qualifying new or substantially reconstructed homes, including some multifamily | Check current status | IRS 45L page |
Service areas, enrollment and eligibility are set by each administrator and change over time. For ESA, start with the page of the utility that serves your building. Federal tax rules also change; check the IRS pages for the current rules.
Eligibility by property type
- Market-rate apartments: regional energy network programs are the usual starting point, where your building is in their area.
- Condominiums and HOAs: some programs treat common areas and individual units differently. Ask how ownership affects eligibility.
- Income-qualified and deed-restricted housing: the ESA and CSD programs are aimed at these properties and usually need proof of resident income or a regulatory agreement.
- Federal tax incentives: 179D and 45L each have their own building-type and project rules. Check the IRS pages with your tax adviser.
Affordable and income-qualified tracks
Affordable housing owners often have more options, but also more conditions: income documentation, procurement rules and coordination with lenders and regulators. See affordable housing retrofits for how to turn a capital needs assessment into a scope these programs can fund.
Using programs in a retrofit plan
Treat any incentive as a separate assumption until it is reserved in writing. Keep a version of the plan that works without it. For which building to start with, see California energy benchmarking.
Change log
- : Directory created. All entries need confirmation with each administrator.
Questions before you begin
Can I combine programs on one project?
Sometimes. Each program sets its own rules on combining with other funding, eligible measures and procurement. Confirm with every administrator before you assume two offers stack.
Does this list cover every California program?
No. It lists whole-building multifamily programs and federal tax incentives. Some local governments, community choice aggregators and municipal utilities run their own programs, so ask the utilities that serve your building too.
Free, no-obligation assessment
Check which programs may apply
The assessment is free and comes with no obligation. Tell us about the buildings and the upgrades you are weighing; two short steps, and engineering records can come later.
- 1. Property
- 2. Location and contact