M-RISE Program — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
. Program Overview & Eligibility
Q&A
M-RISE (Multifamily Retrofit Initiative for Sustainability and Equity) is an energy efficiency and electrification program led by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and administered by Resource Smart. It provides multifamily property owners with technical assistance and robust financial incentives for comprehensive building upgrades to help reduce energy consumption and increase resident comfort! Building upgrades include high-efficiency heat pumps, building envelope improvements, ventilation upgrades, electrical panel and wiring modernization, and efficient appliances.
No. M-RISE is specifically focused on eligible multifamily properties. Scattered-site portfolios consisting primarily of single-family homes or duplexes would generally not qualify under M-RISE, though they may be eligible for other New Jersey energy efficiency programs.
Yes. Participating projects will be assigned a single point of contact to help coordinate communication, project development activities, and engagement with relevant program stakeholders. Prior to enrollment, interested participants will have access to a suite of avenues to engage with and learn more about the program.
Potentially, yes. Properties where at least 50% of units demonstrate participation in qualifying income-based housing programs may be considered categorically eligible for income qualification. These properties will still be subject to program review and documentation requirements.
M-RISE funding does not support solar installations. However, the program may coordinate with other funding opportunities and incentives where appropriate, and participants may be guided toward additional resources that support solar projects.
Once a project receives rebate reservation approval, funding is generally expected to remain reserved for that project through installation completion and final quality assurance review by NJBPU and DOE, provided program requirements and project milestones continue to be met. Once a project is complete and full compliance has been demonstrated and confirmed, the rebates will be issued to the consumer.
For larger multifamily projects, M-RISE may utilize phased or milestone-based reimbursement approaches that allow portions of rebate funding to be processed as project phases or groups of units are completed and inspected.
Final timelines and funding reservation requirements will be communicated during project development and approval.
No specific maximum project size has been established at this time.
FAQs
Yes. Owners and operators with multifamily portfolios are encouraged to submit inquiry or pre-application forms for all potentially eligible properties.
Interested participants are encouraged to complete the program inquiry or pre-application form and engage with the M-RISE team regarding potential project goals, building characteristics, and energy improvement opportunities.
Yes! This program is being designed to support sophisticated capital stacks with other eligible funding sources where permissible, including utility incentives, tax credits, grant dollars, and other complementary funding opportunities. Our staff will help you design those stacks while ensuring compliance with program guidelines.
Yes, these programs are complimentary. In many cases, M-RISE is expected to coordinate with existing utility and clean energy program funding, where allowable under program rules and federal requirements.
For program questions or participation inquiries, please contact:
NJDOERebates@resourcesmart.net