The State of New York, through the NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) offers several opportunities for low to moderate income families to become more energy efficient, saving money in the long run.
The ‘Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR™’ is available to help households to reduce energy costs by taking a ‘whole-house’ approach to creating energy efficiency improvements. The goal of this program is to assist low to moderate income families make those energy improvements on the level of the entire home. The program will cover up to 50% of the cost of improvement, up to a maximum of $5,000. Two to four family buildings are eligible for up to $10,000 in assistance.
Another program offers families the chance to build from the ground up a New York ENERGY STAR labeled home. These homes are as much as 30% more energy efficient than conventionally built homes. Low to moderate income families can receive a $500 cash incentive depending on their income and other factors. Check here for more details.