Initiative for Electrification in New Affordable Multifamily Housing

The Initiative for Electrification in New Affordable Multifamily Housing is a rebate program funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and administered by Efficiency Maine's Commercial and Industrial Prescriptive Initiatives (CIPI). The initiative provides rebates for qualifying efficient HVAC heat pump systems in new construction of multifamily buildings that will serve low-income households.

Eligible participants include owners of multifamily buildings that are planned to be built with at least 50% of dwelling units reserved for low-income households. Eligible housing categories include Public Housing (housing owned and operated by Public Housing Authorities), privately owned multifamily buildings receiving project-based assistance (Section 8, Section 202, Section 811), privately-owned multifamily buildings housing residents receiving tenant-based assistance, or Section 42 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties. Eligible buildings must have single multifamily buildings with 18 or more dwelling units, or campuses of multifamily buildings with 18 or more total dwelling units where each individual building has at least six dwelling units.

Eligible equipment includes mini-split heat pumps, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, heat pump rooftop units (RTUs), and single package heat pumps (with through-the-wall outdoor air ducting). Electric resistance heating is only permitted in spaces that cannot be served by heat pumps, such as bathrooms, storage rooms, or closets. Applicants must obtain a restrictive covenant from Maine State Housing Authority indicating that at least 50% of the building's dwelling units will be preserved for low-income residents (less than 80% of county Area Median Income [AMI]).

The participation process involves seven steps: (1) Review the Funding Opportunity Notice; (2) Submit Application A (Intent to Enroll) with basic contact and building information and anticipated equipment types; (3) Develop a project scope, select a qualifying installer, and submit Application B (Project Design and Installation) with specific HVAC system design information and required eligibility documentation; (4) Efficiency Maine reviews Application B and issues an Incentive Agreement if compliant, which the participant signs to secure a rebate reservation; (5) After installation and commissioning, submit all required post-completion documentation; (6) Efficiency Maine reviews documentation and performs an on-site inspection; (7) Efficiency Maine issues the project rebate.

Informational webinars are scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 9:00 AM, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM, and Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Program documents include the Funding Opportunity Notice (FON-009-2025, revised 10/15/2025), Application A (Intent to Enroll), Application B (Project Design and Installation), Incentive Agreement Template (revised 9/29/2025), Qualified Partner Agreement Addendum, and Project Invoice Template.