TL/DR –
New York has become the first state in the US to launch a Home Energy Rebates program that provides low- and middle-income households with up to $14,000 in savings on energy-efficiency home upgrades. The state program, funded by $8.8 billion in federal funding, is designed to lower household energy bills and improve energy efficiency through measures such as heat pump installation and insulation. It’s estimated that the upgrades will save consumers up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and will support about 50,000 jobs in residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors.
New York Launches Home Energy Rebates Program
New York has initiated the Home Energy Rebates program, offering up to $14,000 in savings for low- and middle-income households investing in energy-efficient modifications. This revolutionary program aligns with a nationwide initiative to lower energy expenses and increase residential energy efficiency, funded by $8.8bn in federal contribution. The program, established under the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, promotes the installation of energy-saving solutions such as heat pumps, electrical panels, and insulation.
Benefits of the Home Energy Rebates Program
Upgrades implemented under this initiative are projected to save consumers up to $1bn annually on energy costs, stimulating an estimated 50,000 US jobs across residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors. The first phase of New York’s $158 million Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program is set to be integrated with the state’s existing EmPower+ program, aimed at homeowners and renters earning below 80% of area median income.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for the first phase extends to single-family and multifamily properties of up to four units. Future phases aim to incorporate larger multifamily buildings and point-of-sale rebates at retailers. Homeowners can apply for rebates for air sealing, insulation, ventilation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electric upgrades, with a maximum rebate amount of $14,000 per housing unit.
Support from Federal Funds
New York is also looking to bolster its Home Efficiency Rebates with an additional $159 million from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. This would provide eligible households up to $8,000 in extra rebates for measures that decrease energy usage by at least 20%. The CEO of electrification nonprofit and savings calculator, Rewiring America, Ari Matusiak, commended New York for their progressive steps towards implementing the largest climate bill in history.
Other State Applications
Beside New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Rhode Island have also applied to the US Department of Energy for funding to put their own Home Energy Rebate programs into action. Seventeen states have collectively applied for nearly $1.9bn in funding for at least one of the Home Energy Rebate programs. Visit energy.gov/save/rebates to check your state’s program status.
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