New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the approval of the state’s partial-scope application for the United States Department of Energy’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program formula grant funding. This approval builds on New York State’s commitment to improve low-income families’ homes with the latest efficiency and clean energy upgrades that will make them more comfortable and reduce energy costs. The announcement supports the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 and advances Hochul’s goal to achieve two million climate-friendly homes by 2030.
“New York is setting the pace in the transition to modern, affordable and efficient homes. With this Inflation Reduction Act funding, we continue the transition to an affordable clean energy future that benefits all New Yorkers,” Hochul said.
The application submitted by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to United State Department of Energy (DOE) requested $39.6 million in initial funding, which will allow NYSERDA’s low income EmPower+ program to provide additional energy efficiency and beneficial electrification improvements, expanding its current reach. New York State is eligible to receive a total of $317.7 million through the DOE’s IRA Home Energy Rebate programs: $159.3 million for the Home Efficiency Rebates and $158.4 million for HEAR program.
Eligible owners of one- to four-family homes will be able to receive significant discounts, up to 100% of total project cost, for insulation and air sealing, heat pumps for space and water heating and any necessary electrical upgrades to support those improvements. This application represents the first step in receiving Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding for the full portfolio of IRA Home Energy Rebate programs. NYSERDA is planning to launch expanded IRA Home Energy Rebate program offers later this year after the full scope application has been submitted and approved by DOE.
NYSERDA is currently working toward developing and submitting the full HEAR application to enable rebate offers to moderate-income residents and to owners of larger low and moderate-income multifamily buildings, including high-efficiency appliance rebates.
Additionally, to utilize the full federal funding available for New York State, NYSERDA will apply to the Home Efficiency Rebates program, which will further expand residents’ access to upgrades for heat pumps and other clean, low carbon technologies.
