Small Multifamily Heat Pump Pilot
Rhode Island is launching an $11.5 million incentive program to help low- and moderate-income households install heat pumps in residential buildings with two to four attached units. The pilot will be administered through Clean Heat Rhode Island. OER is finalizing program details and will announce an opening date soon.
About the pilot
Smaller multifamily buildings can be harder to upgrade. Installations often involve several households, weatherization work, and landlord approval. This pilot offers targeted incentives to help lower the upfront cost of heat pump systems in two- to four-unit buildings and expand access to efficient heating and cooling.
The pilot is funded through the New England Heat Pump Accelerator’s state pilot program, which funds statewide projects that address barriers to heat pump adoption in residential buildings in low- and moderate-income households and communities. It is administered through Clean Heat Rhode Island, the state’s existing heat pump incentive program.
Who is eligible and what is the incentive
The pilot is for income-eligible households in residential buildings with two to four attached units. Depending on household income and eligibility, incentives may cover 60% to 100% of eligible heat pump system and installation costs, up to a maximum of $16,000.
| Household group | Household income | Incentive |
|---|---|---|
| Low income | 0% to 80% of area median income (AMI) | 100% of eligible costs, up to $16,000 |
| Moderate income | 81% to 150% of AMI | 60% of eligible costs, up to $16,000 |
| Moderate-income Aquidneck Island gas customers | 81% to 150% of AMI | 100% of eligible costs, up to $16,000 |
| Moderate-income Narragansett tribal members | 81% to 150% of AMI | 100% of eligible costs, up to $16,000 |
What to expect
We will share full eligibility details and the opening date before the pilot launches. Here is what we can tell you now:
- Households must be income eligible. Income limits will depend on household size and location.
- Households must meet the program’s weatherization requirements before receiving incentives.
- Incentives will be available through participating Clean Heat RI contractors.
How it will work
The pilot will run through Clean Heat Rhode Island’s existing program infrastructure. Participating Clean Heat Rhode Island contractors will submit incentive applications on behalf of eligible participants. Homeowners, landlords and tenants will not submit applications directly. Check back for details on how to find a participating contractor.
For contractors
Contractors in the Heat Pump Installer Network will receive training on pilot requirements, multifamily system design and quality assurance before the program launches. Interested contractors can complete the contractor interest form to receive updates on training opportunities.
Stay informed
Sign up for notifications and we will let you know when the pilot launches. Projects started before the program opens may not qualify for incentives. Interested participants should wait for the official program launch and eligibility guidance before beginning installation work.
About the New England Heat Pump Accelerator
The New England Heat Pump Accelerator is a regional initiative involving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island to expand the adoption of energy-efficient heat pump technologies. Supported by federal funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, the initiative provides financial incentives, workforce development resources, and support for innovative programs that address barriers to heat pump adoption. The New England Heat Pump Accelerator works with distributors, contractors, participating state entities, program administrators, and community organizations to bring efficient, affordable heating and cooling to the region. Through December 2029, the program will expand and accelerate heat pump adoption in homes across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island through market growth driven by local innovation and educational connections.
This program is collaboratively led by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, the Maine Department of Energy Resources with the Efficiency Maine Trust, and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Program administration is led by VEIC in coordination with an experienced multistate team of implementers. For more information, visit www.NEHPA.org.
