Gov. Hochul recently announced that $39.6 million is now available to low- and moderate-income residents in the state to save them money on their energy bills. New York state is the first in the nation to offer the first phase of funding of the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program.
The funding expands the already-existing EmPower+ program, allowing more families in need to make energy efficiency improvements and electrification upgrades. This will ultimately help more families move away from fossil fuels as well as make their bills more affordable and their homes more comfortable. Low-income residents can access up to $10,000 for energy improvements through EmPower+, and moderate-income residents can access up to $5,000. IRA funding can cover up to 30% of the cost of certain clean energy technologies like heat pumps.
Smart Energy Choices, the Regional Clean Energy Hub for the southern tier, can help Delaware County residents apply for this program. As a NYSERDA-funded program, the Hub employs Community Energy Advisors (CEAs), who advise residents on solving their energy challenges, connect residents to assistance programs, and walk residents through applications.
Visit smartenergychoices.org where energy advisors that serve each county in the southern tier are listed. It’s best for those interested in this reach out directly to their local CEA. In Delaware County, Delaware County contact Samantha Edel, Cornell Cooperative Extension, at 607-366-0833, x3, or email se379@cornell.edu
