M-RISE Program
This state-run initiative is designed to help income-qualified multifamily properties reduce energy use, modernize building systems, improve resident comfort and safety, and overcome financial and technical barriers to energy efficiency improvements.
Status
Program Landing Page Live
Schedule
M-RISE is currently in the pre-launch phase. Program design, eligibility requirements, incentive structures, and participation requirements are continuing to be finalized.
Interest forms are currently available for:
Additional program information will be made available as details are finalized.
Program Contacts
For general questions regarding New Jersey’s energy efficiency programs:
Relevant Audiences
On this Page
About the Program
The Multifamily Retrofit Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (M-RISE) is New Jersey’s upcoming Inflation Reduction Act-funded multifamily energy efficiency program. M-RISE is designed to help income-qualified multifamily properties reduce energy use, modernize building systems, improve resident comfort and safety, and overcome financial and technical barriers to energy efficiency improvements.
M-RISE will provide eligible property owners and developers with access to financial incentives, technical assistance, and project development support for qualifying multifamily energy projects. The program is also supporting efforts to expand New Jersey’s multifamily energy efficiency workforce and contractor network to help meet growing project demand statewide.
M-RISE is being developed with two complementary participation pathways intended to support different types of multifamily energy projects. One pathway will focus on comprehensive energy efficiency improvements in existing multifamily buildings (Performance Pathway), while a second pathway will support qualifying energy-efficient equipment and measures, including certain eligible new multifamily construction projects (Prescriptive Pathway).
Additional information regarding pathway-specific eligibility, incentives, and program requirements will be made available as program design is finalized.
NJBPU has selected Resource Smart, a New Jersey-certified minority-owned business enterprise with deep expertise in whole-building efficiency and electrification programs, to serve as the program administrator. Resource Smart will administer M-RISE in close coordination with NJBPU, New Jersey's electric and gas utilities, clean energy contractors, community-based organizations, and housing sector partners.
Potential improvements supported through M-RISE may include heating and cooling upgrades, insulation and weatherization, electrical improvements, heat pump technologies, appliances, and other building energy efficiency measures.
New Multifamily Construction Opportunities
In addition to supporting energy improvements in existing buildings, M-RISE is expected to support qualifying energy-efficient measures in eligible new multifamily construction projects through its Prescriptive Pathway.
M-RISE also intends to coordinate with NJCEP’s New Construction Program, creating opportunities for eligible projects to leverage complementary programs and support a broader scope of whole-building energy efficiency improvements.
Additional information regarding new construction eligibility and program requirements will be provided as M-RISE moves toward launch.
What We’re Looking to Support
M-RISE is particularly interested in connecting with multifamily properties and projects that may benefit from:
- Comprehensive energy efficiency improvements to existing multifamily buildings
- Building envelope improvements such as insulation, windows, air sealing, and related weatherization measures
- Heating, cooling, water heating, appliances, electrical upgrades, and other energy-efficient building systems
- Replacement or modernization of aging building equipment
- Electrification and high-efficiency heat pump technologies
- Eligible energy-efficient measures incorporated into new multifamily construction projects
- Projects seeking meaningful reductions in building energy use and operating costs
These improvements may help participating properties improve building performance, modernize aging systems, and enhance resident comfort while reducing energy use.
What Kind of Technical Assistance Can You Receive?
During the pre-launch period, interested property owners and developers may be able to receive preliminary technical assistance and program guidance to help determine whether M-RISE may be a suitable fit for their property or project.
Technical assistance may include:
- Guidance on anticipated program eligibility and participation requirements
- Assistance understanding income qualification and other applicable program requirements
- Support identifying potential energy efficiency opportunities
- Assistance identifying qualified energy auditors, contractors, and other project partners
- Preliminary support developing potential project scopes
- Guidance on opportunities to coordinate M-RISE with utility or other clean energy programs, where applicable
Submitting an interest form does not constitute a formal application or guarantee program eligibility or funding.
Eligible Participants
M-RISE is being developed primarily for multifamily properties and projects serving income-qualified households. Potential participants may include:
- Owners and operators of garden-style, mid-rise, and high-rise multifamily apartment buildings
- Properties interested in energy efficiency, weatherization, HVAC, electrical, appliance, and electrification improvements
- Multifamily properties serving low- and moderate-income residents
- Developers, owners, and operators of eligible new multifamily construction projects pursuing high-efficiency building designs
- Affordable housing owners and developers seeking to improve building performance and resident comfort
Final eligibility requirements will be published as program design is completed.
How to Participate
Interested property owners, developers, and representatives are encouraged to complete the M-RISE Property Interest Form.
The interest form is not a formal program application. During the pre-launch phase, it provides a way to connect with the M-RISE implementation team and begin exploring whether a property or planned project may be a good fit for the program.
Information provided through the form may help the program team:
- Better understand your property and project needs
- Identify potential energy efficiency opportunities
- Determine what technical assistance may be helpful
- Support future application readiness
- Coordinate follow-up as additional program details become available
Interested participants may receive preliminary technical assistance and program guidance before formal program applications open.
Visit the M-RISE Program Homepage and complete the Property Interest Form to get started.
Contractors & Workforce Partners
M-RISE is actively working to expand and strengthen New Jersey’s contractor and workforce network in preparation for program launch. NJBPU and its program implementation team are seeking qualified contractors, energy auditors, installers, and other workforce partners interested in supporting multifamily energy efficiency projects throughout New Jersey.
Potential project opportunities may include:
- Energy auditing and building assessments
- HVAC and heat pump installation
- Water heating improvements
- Electrical and panel upgrades
- Insulation, air sealing, and weatherization services
- Appliance and equipment installation
- Building performance and electrification improvements
- Inspection, quality assurance, and related technical services
As part of program development, NJBPU and its program implementation team are building a network of qualified contractors capable of supporting future M-RISE projects.
Interested contractors and workforce partners are encouraged to visit the M-RISE Contractor Network website and submit a contractor interest form.
Participation may provide opportunities to receive future program updates, training information, technical guidance, and information regarding upcoming project opportunities.
Contact Us
For questions regarding M-RISE participation, property interest forms, anticipated project eligibility, technical assistance, contractor participation, or other program-specific inquiries, please contact the M-RISE implementation team at:
NJDOERebates@resourcesmart.netFor general questions regarding New Jersey's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Home Energy Rebates programs, program status updates, or NJBPU program development activities, please contact:
energyefficiency@bpu.nj.govPresentations, webinars, and additional outreach opportunities will be announced as program development continues. Updates will be posted on the NJ Clean Energy Program website and shared through the energy efficiency listserv.
Sign up for the energy efficiency listserv here.
Join us in shaping the future of multifamily residences — starting with your building!