New York State recently became the first state in the nation to offer the first phase of Inflation Reduction Act (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program funding to consumers through the U.S. Department of Energy.
The initial $39.6 million formula grant will expand the reach of New York’s EmPower+ program by allowing more low-income families to improve their homes with energy efficiency and electrification upgrades.
The May 30 announcement represents the first step in New York State deploying these IRA rebates to residents. Funding for the full portfolio of IRA Home Energy Rebate programs and deployment of additional rebates is expected later this year. The 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 program and $158.4 million for HEAR program.
In April 2024, the U.S DOE approved the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s partial-scope application for this initial funding, which allows NYSERDA’s low income EmPower+ program to expand its current reach by providing funding for additional energy efficiency and beneficial electrification improvements, such as insulation and air sealing, heat pumps for space and water heating, and any necessary electrical upgrades to support those improvements.
Starting May 30, eligible owners of one- to four-family households that have a household income below 80 percent of the Area Median Income or participate in a utility payment assistance program will automatically be enrolled to benefit from IRA HEAR incentives when they apply to the EmPower+ program.
Incentives are provided to residents through EmPower+ contractors to reduce the cost of installing energy efficiency and electrification upgrades in a home or apartment, making them more affordable for New Yorkers. For more information including the application process and eligibility requirements, please visit NYSERDA’s website.
NYSERDA is currently working towards developing and submitting the full HEAR application to enable rebate offers to moderate-income residents, up to 150 percent of area median income, and to owners of larger low- and moderate-income multifamily buildings, including high-efficiency electric appliance rebates.
Funding for EmPower+ is provided through the Enacted FY 2023-2024 State Budget, the state’s Clean Energy Fund, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and the federal Inflation Reduction Act.
