New York State homeowners and renters can now receive energy efficiency rebates for upgrading and installing insulation and heat pumps, thanks to federal funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday said low- and middle-income homeowners can receive up to $14,000 per house for green upgrades.
Through the state's EmPower+ program, households can apply to get money back for a variety of green upgrades, which includes the installation of air sealing, insulation, ventilation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electric upgrades (wiring and load service centers), according to a DOE press release.
There are two tiers of income eligibility. For the low-income tier, the household income for a family of four in Brooklyn must be under $70,056. For the middle-income tier, the household income for a family of four must be between $70,056 and $124,4000, according to the income eligibility calculator on the EmPower+ website.
Renters who want to make upgrades are eligible for rebates as well.
The state now has $39.6 million in initial grand funding, Hochul said.
“As the first state in the nation to offer these Inflation Reduction Act rebates, we are expanding access to home improvements that will save New Yorkers money on their energy bills and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels," she said.
New York is also working to stand up its Home Efficiency Rebates with $159 million funding from the IRA, which will provide eligible households up to $8,000 in additional rebates for measures that reduce energy usage by at least 20%, according to the press release.
"From tax credits to rebates, the Biden-Harris Administration is determined to lower costs for American families and change the economics of home energy bills, said Granholm. "New York is leading the charge as states across the country gear up to launch their Home Energy Rebates program—delivering jobs, savings, and healthier homes.”
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has other financing and rebate programs that homeowners can use, in combination with federal IRA funds. Fore more information, click here.
