Who Pays and Who Saves? How Electric Rates Shape Equitable Multifamily Electrification
Electric rate design and metering decisions determine who pays, who saves, and who benefits from building electrification, especially in affordable multifamily housing. In Massachusetts, electricity is more expensive than gas, and for many multifamily building owners undergoing retrofits, it’s not always clear—between commercial electric rates, residential electric heating rates, low-income discount rates, and residential heat pump rates—which configurations are most effective at lowering operating costs. This session shares early research comparing rate and metering structures to uncover how cost-shifting impacts equity, affordability, and feasibility. Using case studies, we’ll explore what’s working, what’s not, and what policies and best practices could ensure a fair, scalable transition.
Session Chairs
Session Speakers
Describe how current and proposed electric rate structures in Massachusetts affect the economics of building electrification, particularly for affordable multifamily housing.
Evaluate the impact of new heat pump rates through case studies and sensitivity analyses that compare heating and cooling load profiles under electrification.
Identify the role of metering strategies and rate design in balancing owner and tenant cost burdens while supporting equitable decarbonization.
Discuss potential policy interventions and program models that can align utility rate structures with the goals of affordability, resilience, and rapid electrification.
This session is pre-approved for 1 credit hour toward AIA (LU|HSW), MA CSL, and NARI certification. Those who attend a full day of the conference are additionally eligible for credit toward Phius and RESNET certification.