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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Contact: Colleen Ryan (518) 862-1090 ext 3359
cqr@nyserda.org
EmPower New YorkSM and Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Programs Extended One Year
Albany, NY–New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Paul D. Tonko joined today with representatives from National Grid plc to highlight $5 million in funding for home energy-saving programs. The EmPower New YorkSM and Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR programs are managed by NYSERDA and administered to low-income gas heating customers. The programs are important not only for saving energy, but also for delivering health and safety benefits.
NYSERDA President and CEO, Paul D. Tonko said, “Higher energy prices make this initiative increasingly important. Through the Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and EmPower New YorkSM programs, which will provide financial assistance to low-income utility customers, NYSERDA will continue to offer energy efficiency improvements and services that help save energy and significantly reduce the energy bills of those who need the assistance the most. This not only benefits the customer, but also benefits the State in reaching Governor Spitzer’s goal of reducing electric consumption 15% by 2015.”
NYSERDA launched EmPower New YorkSM in 2004, building on lessons learned from earlier programs.EmPower New YorkSM focuses on electric reduction measures, but also addresses shell and heating system needs when they offer the best means to reduce household energy costs. Using a “whole house” approach, while installing energy-saving measures, contractors address health and safety issues as the need arises. EmPower New YorkSM works closely with the Weatherization Assistance Program to coordinate efforts and funding to low-income households. NYSERDA is filling gaps and shortening waiting periods for the energy services needed to help low-income utility customers in the National Grid service territory lower their energy costs.
The Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program is available to utility customers having a total household income of less than 80 percent of the state’s median income. The program is designed to reduce energy costs through a ‘building performance’ approach to home improvements such as insulation, replacement of windows, and installation of energy-efficient appliances such as hot-water heaters or furnaces. Incentives are available to eligible customers for up to 60 percent of the cost of an energy efficiency project with a maximum subsidy of $6,000 per single-family home, or, based on additional income-eligible households, $12,000 per building with three to four family dwellings. To learn more about EmPower New YorkSM and Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, visit www.getenergysmart.org or call toll-free 1-877-NY-SMART.
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