Our Work
Improving Program Delivery in Practice
NEEEI focuses on improving how clean energy and energy-efficiency programs operate in real-world conditions—particularly in housing segments where delivery is complex and outcomes are uneven.
Our work connects policy goals with on-the-ground implementation, helping programs function more effectively for the households and communities they are designed to serve.
How We Work
- Identify barriers that limit access to energy-efficiency and electrification programs
- Work with partners to test and refine solutions
- Participate in pilot efforts that explore improved delivery approaches
- Document and share lessons learned across states
The focus is on practical improvement—what works, what doesn’t, and what can be strengthened.
Areas of Focus
NEEEI concentrates on areas where program delivery challenges are most persistent and where improvements can have meaningful impact.
These include:
- Mixed-income multifamily housing
- Coordination across efficiency, electrification, and distributed energy strategies
- Program design and administrative alignment
- Access barriers for property owners and tenants
Current Initiative
Mixed-Income Multifamily Housing
Medium-sized multifamily buildings (such as 6–20 unit properties) are among the most difficult segments for clean energy program delivery.
These buildings often face
- Split incentives between owners and tenants
- Complex income eligibility requirements
- Limited owner awareness of available programs
- Administrative coordination challenges
NEEEI is engaged in early-stage work examining these barriers through a multifamily project in Western Massachusetts connected to the Mass Save program.
Initial observations highlight recurring challenges related to tenant eligibility verification, owner engagement, and program coordination.
The goal is to identify practical improvements that can inform future program design and help programs operate more effectively in this housing segment.
Pilot Development and System Improvement
NEEEI supports the development of pilot efforts and case studies designed to test improvements in program delivery.
This includes exploring ways to:
- Integrate multiple strategies, including efficiency, electrification, and distributed energy
- Improve coordination across program components and stakeholders
- Address affordability and access challenges for underserved communities Insights from this work are intended to support program administrators, policymakers, and implementation partners in strengthening existing systems.