QUEENS, NY— As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that New York is the first state in the nation to launch its Home Energy Rebate Program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act. New York’s program will allow more low- and middle-income families to benefit from energy efficiency and clean energy improvements that will make their homes more comfortable while saving money on their energy bills . New York’s launch is part of a larger national initiative to provide $8.8 billion in federal funding to states, territories and tribes to reduce energy costs and increase the efficiency of American homes by making less costly the installation of saving measures such as heat pumps, electrical installations. panels and insulation.
These energy-saving measures will save consumers up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and support approximately 50,000 U.S. jobs in home construction, manufacturing and other sectors . These investments also advance the President’s Justice40 initiative, which sets a goal that 40 percent of overall benefits from certain federal investments in climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments go to disadvantaged communities which are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
“From tax credits to rebates, the Biden-Harris administration is committed to lowering costs for American families and changing the economics of home energy bills, said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “New York is leading the charge as states across the country prepare to launch their home energy rebate programs, creating jobs, savings and healthier homes. »
“The Inflation Reduction Act’s home energy rebates for clean, energy-efficient appliances and upgrades will save families money by lowering their energy bills,” a declared John Podesta, senior adviser to the president on international climate policy. “New York is leading the way as the first of several states that will make these game-changing incentives available to their residents this summer and fall. »
“As the first state in the nation to offer these rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act, we are expanding access to home improvements that will help New Yorkers save money on their bills energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels”, Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State said. “Through 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.
Many Americans spend a large portion of their monthly income on heating, cooling, and electricity in their homes – with some of the lowest income families spending more than 30% of their income on energy bills. Overall, Americans can expect to save $1 billion in energy costs each year through home energy rebate programs. Individual households could save hundreds of dollars on their monthly energy bills and up to $14,000 for energy-efficient home improvements. To advance the goal of these programs, the DOE requires states and territories to allocate at least half of the rebates to low-income households, defined as those earning 80 percent or less of their area’s median income, which should benefit many households. in disadvantaged communities. States and territories must also submit community benefit plans to ensure good jobs and other economic opportunities are available. To help keep consumers informed and resourced, DOE recently released a Consumer Bill of Rights framework and is encouraging state, territorial, and tribal rebate programs to adopt it.
New York State Home Energy Rebate Program
New York is launching the first phase of its $158 million Home Energy Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program – one of two provisions making up the Home Energy Rebate programs – by integrating funding into state’s existing EmPower+ program, which is aimed at homeowners and renters. with incomes below 80% of the median in their region. Single-family properties and multi-family properties with up to four units are eligible under the first phase, while later phases of New York’s program will include larger multi-family buildings and point-of-sale discounts at retailers.
The first phase of the New York program will also support homeowners who want to install air sealing, insulation, ventilation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and electrical improvements (wiring centers and charging service). The maximum reimbursement amount is $14,000 per accommodation.
New York is also working to bolster its home efficiency rebates with $159 million in funding from the President’s Inflation Reduction Act, which will provide eligible households with up to $8,000 in rebates additional fees for measures reducing energy consumption by at least 20%.
More states are preparing for the launch of discounts
Three other states – Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode Island – have asked the DOE for funding to launch their own home energy rebate programs.
Massachusetts requested its entire $146 million allocation to launch the two rebate programs: the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and HEAR.
Michigan also requested its total allocation of $211 million to launch the two programs.
Rhode Island requested nearly $32 million to launch its HEAR program and will apply for its HOMES funding at a later date.
Interested parties can stay informed about these programs by visiting the following websites:
Once the DOE approves applications and awards funding, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Rhode Island will complete the final stages of launching their programs.
Seventeen states have now requested nearly $1.9 billion in funding through at least one of the home energy rebate programs. Each state is responsible for establishing and administering its own program. You can check the status of your state’s program at energy.gov/save/rebates.
By September, home energy rebates are expected to be available in several more states, allowing Americans to save energy and money through home energy improvements.
Consumer protection
National consumer protection plans will ensure that consumers receive high-quality products and services. In these plans, which will be publicly available and include a hotline or email for customers, states will set high standards for contractors and business partners. States will ensure a robust process for collecting consumer feedback, timely attention to any customer concerns or complaints, and fair and transparent contracts with consumers for the rebate process. In February, DOE identified best practices that DOE and states should implement to ensure consumers are protected from unfair trade practices or fraud under rebate programs. And in May, the DOE issued a Consumer Bill of Rights for states to protect consumers when they launch their home energy rebate programs.
For more information on the New York program, please visit: EmPower+ – NYSERDA
For more information on what you can do to save energy and money, as well as to find out when your state will launch its own home energy rebate program, please visit: www.energy.gov /save.