New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, recently announced an innovative public-private partnership aimed at creating energy efficiency equality for low-to-moderate income (LMI) households and affordable multifamily buildings. This announcement supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act by providing access to clean energy solutions for all.
Many LMI households experience huge energy burdens, sometimes exceeding 20 percent of their household income. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been actively searching for improved housing solutions for new affordable housing projects.
More than 350,000 low-to-moderate income households throughout the state of New York will receive energy efficiency services such as insulation, air sealing, electric load reduction, and HVAC improvements.
The initiative will invest almost $1 billion through 2025 and will include participation from NYSERDA, Central Hudson, Con Edison, National Fuel Gas, National Grid, NYSEG/RG&E and Orange & Rockland focusing on the following:
- Over $300 million to reduce energy burdens by increasing access to energy efficiency for LMI homeowners and renters;
- More than $500 million to improve energy efficiency in affordable multifamily buildings;
- $45 million for community-level engagement and capacity building with community-based organizations; and
- $30 million for developing clean heating and cooling solutions for LMI homes and buildings through research and analysis of institutional barriers, and funding of pilots and demonstrations. This investment builds on New York's nation-leading push on building electrification with the recently approved New York State Clean Heat Implementation Plan that will invest nearly $700 million in building electrification solutions, including a variety of heat pump technologies.
The improvements are projected to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy bills totaling over $40 million annually.