Recently, New York became the first state to offer the U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Rebate Funding. The funds are available through the State’s EmPower+ Program.
On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul joined U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Granholm and White House Senior Advisor John Podesta at the Andromeda Community Initiative in Queens to celebrate this achievement.
New York State will now offer consumers the first phase of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program funding.
The governor’s office announced that an initial grant of $39.6 million will enhance New York’s EmPower+ program.
This funding will enable additional low-income families to carry out energy efficiency and electrification upgrades in their homes. These upgrades are designed to lower energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
This initiative aligns with New York State’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050.
It also meets the Act’s mandate that at least 35 percent (with a target of 40 percent) of the benefits from clean energy investments go to disadvantaged communities.
Governor Hochul said, “As the first state in the nation to offer these Inflation Reduction Act rebates, we are expanding access to home improvements that will save New Yorkers money on their energy bills and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels,”
“Thanks to our strong partnership between New York State, the Biden Administration, and the U.S. Department of Energy, we are making important progress to make the clean energy transition affordable for all New Yorkers.”
Today’s announcement marks a pivotal moment as New York State begins to utilize IRA rebates for its residents.
Further funding, including additional rebates, is anticipated later this year for the comprehensive suite of IRA Home Energy Rebate programs.
New York State stands to gain a total of $317.7 million from the Department of Energy’s IRA Home Energy Rebate initiatives, split between $159.3 million for Home Efficiency Rebates and $158.4 million for the HEAR program.
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy sanctioned the initial phase of funding following the approval of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) application.
This funding boost enables NYSERDA’s low-income EmPower+ program to broaden its services, offering more extensive energy efficiency and electrification enhancements.
These improvements include insulation, air sealing, heat pumps for heating spaces and water, and the electrical upgrades needed to facilitate these enhancements.
Starting today, owners of one—to four-family homes who earn less than 80 percent of the Area Median Income or are part of a utility payment assistance program will automatically be signed up to receive IRA HEAR incentives upon applying to the EmPower+ program.
These incentives are delivered through EmPower+ contractors and are designed to lower the costs associated with installing energy efficiency and electrification upgrades in homes or apartments, thereby making these improvements more accessible and affordable for New Yorkers.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said, “From tax credits to rebates, the Biden-Harris Administration is determined to lower costs for American families and change the economics of home energy bill. New York is leading the charge as states across the country gear up to launch their Home Energy Rebates program— delivering jobs, savings, and healthier homes.”
For More Information on Application and Eligibility, visit NYSERDA’s website.
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