New York Launches DOE Home Energy Rebates Program

Published on June 03, 2024 by Dave Kovaleski

New Initiative for Low-and-Middle Income Families

New York has made history by being the first state in the United States to introduce the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Rebates program. This initiative aims to make efficiency and clean energy upgrades more accessible to low-and-middle income families.

Nationwide Energy Saving Measures

Part of a nationwide effort established by the Inflation Reduction Act, the program will allocate $8.8 billion in Federal funding to states, territories, and Tribes. These energy-saving measures are projected to save consumers up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and create approximately 50,000 jobs in various sectors.

Support from U.S. Secretary of Energy

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm commended New York’s leadership in implementing the Home Energy Rebates program. She emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reducing home energy costs for American families, ultimately improving the affordability of energy bills.

New York’s $158 Million Home Electrification Program

New York is rolling out the first phase of its $158 million Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program. Homeowners can receive rebates for air sealing, insulation, ventilation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electric upgrades, with a maximum amount of $14,000 per housing unit.

Expansion of Home Efficiency Rebates

Additionally, New York is set to introduce Home Efficiency Rebates, supported by $159 million from the President’s Inflation Reduction Act. Eligible households can receive up to $8,000 in rebates for energy-saving measures that reduce usage by at least 20 percent.

Positive Response and Future Plans

New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the collaboration between New York State, the Biden Administration, and the U.S. Department of Energy in making clean energy solutions more affordable. Following New York’s lead, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Rhode Island are also preparing to launch their own Home Energy Rebate programs.