New Rebates for Low-Income New Yorkers Buying Energy-Efficient Appliances
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced new rebates for low-income New Yorkers buying energy-efficient appliances as part of the state’s new Appliance Upgrade Program.
Program Details
The program will cover replacing old fossil fuel clothes dryers with Energy Star-certified heat pump models. The new dryers and washer-dryer combo units in the program can save up to 70% of energy costs, according to Hochul’s announcement.
Federal Inflation Reduction Act funds fuel the program, costing about $317.4 million. It gives rebates to households who make up to 150% of the state’s area median income (AMI). Participants can also get rebates for electrical upgrades like wiring or panel replacements to cut costs and emissions further.
Rebate Amounts
Households can get as much as $14,000 in combined incentives for appliance and electrical upgrades. Plus, contractors who enroll can receive incentives for installing new appliances—up to $500 per dwelling.
Participating Stores and Contractors
- Connect Distributors: NYC
- Happy Electronics: Queens
- Keith’s Appliances: Connecticut
- Klearview Appliance: Brooklyn
- LG, Samsung: Statewide
- Michael’s Appliance: Middletown
- Orville’s Appliance: WNY
- PC Richard & Son: NYC/Long Island
- Riester’s Appliances: Auburn
- Supreme Appliances: Monroe
- S&W Appliances: Brooklyn
How to Apply
Go to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s MyEnergy portal to apply for a rebate, find participating contractors, and track your rebate status.
Future Expansion
Hochul said that the Appliance Upgrade Program will expand in 2025 to cover more clean energy technology and to let owners of low-income multifamily buildings apply for rebates.
What is AMI?
AMI represents the midpoint of an area’s income distribution, calculated every year by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD bases it on a four-person household and calls it MFI, or median family income. For fiscal year 2024 in New York, HUD tallied the total MFI at $105,200. In metro areas, they figured $107,400, compared to $83,500 in nonmetropolitan portions of the state.
Conclusion
The Appliance Upgrade Program aims to make it easier for low-income New Yorkers to upgrade their outdated appliances with new energy-efficient ones, reducing energy costs and emissions. With rebates available and a wide range of participating stores and contractors, this program is a great opportunity for those who qualify.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible for the Appliance Upgrade Program?
A: Households who make up to 150% of the state’s area median income (AMI) are eligible for the program.
Q: What types of appliances are eligible for rebates?
A: The program covers replacing old fossil fuel clothes dryers with Energy Star-certified heat pump models, as well as washer-dryer combo units.
Q: How do I apply for a rebate?
A: Go to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s MyEnergy portal to apply for a rebate, find participating contractors, and track your rebate status.
Q: What is the total cost of the program?
A: The program costs about $317.4 million, funded by the Federal Inflation Reduction Act.
Q: Will the program expand in the future?
A: Yes, the program will expand in 2025 to cover more clean energy technology and to let owners of low-income multifamily buildings apply for rebates.
