TL/DR –
New York is the first state to start the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Home Energy Rebates program, which seeks to help low-and-middle-income households use efficiency and clean energy upgrades. The initiative is a part of a broader nationwide effort funded by $8.8 billion, expected to save consumers around $1 billion annually in energy costs and supporting roughly 50,000 US jobs. New York’s $158 million Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program’s initial phase will offer maximum rebates of $14,000 per housing unit and will also back homeowners wishing to install energy-efficient systems, while its Home Efficiency Rebates will give additional rebates up to $8,000 for energy-saving measures.
New York Pioneers DOE’s Home Energy Rebates Program
New York is the pioneering state in launching the Home Energy Rebates program by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a groundbreaking move to increase energy efficiency. This program strives to make clean energy upgrades more accessible to low-and-middle-income families.
This endeavor is a segment of a wider initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act which provides $8.8 billion in Federal funding. The funding aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs for states, territories, and Tribes. The initiative projects $1 billion annual consumer savings in energy costs, and the creation of approximately 50,000 U.S. jobs.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm applauded the initiatives. “The Biden-Harris Administration aims to change the economics of home energy bills, thereby delivering jobs, savings, and healthier homes,” she said.
New York Launches HEAR Program Phase One
New York is rolling out the first phase of its $158 million Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program. Homeowners looking to install air sealing, insulation, ventilation, heat pumps, and electric upgrades can apply. The maximum rebate per housing unit is $14,000.
In addition, New York is implementing its Home Efficiency Rebates with $159 million funding from the President’s Inflation Reduction Act. Eligible households can receive up to $8,000 in additional rebates for measures that cut energy usage by at least 20 percent.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the state’s commitment to clean energy. “We’re making the clean energy transition affordable for all New Yorkers, and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” she stated.
Following New York’s example, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Rhode Island are planning to initiate their own Home Energy Rebate programs.
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