Residents tuned into the Sustainable Westchester webinar last Thursday to find out how to layer incentives from the federal government, state, and local utilities to make home energy upgrade projects more affordable.

Many thanks to our elected officials, NYS Senator Pete Harckham and NYS Assemblymember Chris Burdick, for co-hosting the webinar and sharing welcome remarks. We were joined by speakers from Rewiring America, ConEdison and Sustainable Westchester’s EnergySmart Homes Partner Contractors.

Watch the webinar recording by clicking here.

Replacing your home’s heating and cooling equipment is a great opportunity to upgrade to a greener system and take advantage of rebates and incentives. With the guidance and expertise of Sustainable Westchester and the Regional Clean Energy Hub, you can make a change that’s gentler on the planet and better for your comfort. Watch the webinar to hear from the contractors.

• Get in contact with a Community Energy Advisor through the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub (available for residents/businesses in Sullivan, Putnam, Ulster, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, and Westchester counties): https://midhudsonenergychoices.org/ 
• Need help signing up for a home energy assessment or looking for advice on which heat pump technology is best for your home? Call Sustainable Westchester at 914-242-4725 x 122 or click here to sign up for the EnergySmart Homes program.
  • Easy links to our website:
    • Air Source Heat Pumps
    • Ground Source Heat Pumps
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Heat Pump Hot Water Heater
      
    • Installer Partners
• Talk to an Energy Coach!
  New Yorkers for Clean Power Energy Coach: https://nyforcleanpower.org/cleanenergycoaching/
  Bedford 2030 Energy Coach: https://bedford2030.org/energy-coach/
  
• From Rewiring America:
  • IRA calculator: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator
  • Go Electric! Guide to the IRA: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/IRAguide
  • Home electrification guide: http://rewiringamerica.org/electrify-home-guide
  • Inflation Reduction Act Fact Sheets: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/ira-fact-sheets
    
    

Questions and Answers from the Chat

• Q: How can I find information about the incentives offered by NYSEG / other utilities?
  • A: Sustainable Westchester’s technology pages contain information on incentives from both ConEd and NYSEG. If you have a different utility, reach out to your local clean energy advisor for advice on how to access incentives and rebates for clean energy upgrades.
• Q: Are there credits / incentives / rebates available for multifamily homes and/or condos?
  • A: Absolutely! See links below, and follow up with Sustainable Westchester / your local energy advisor with any questions that you have about how to apply / qualify:
    • NYSERDA programs for multifamily buildings – including financing opportunities, certified contractor lists, and more.
    • Table of expected funding opportunities under the IRA
    • Climate Friendly Homes Fund – currently accepting applications for clean energy upgrades in 5-50 unit buildings in New York State.
• Q: How do I find my area median income (AMI)?
  • A: AMI is used to determine your eligibility for programs / rebates that target lower income populations, including those under the IRA. Use Rewiring America’s IRA calculator for an easy way to check your eligibility, and find your AMI here.
• Q: What is SNAP, HEAP, and TANF, and why are they relevant?
  • A: SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, HEAP is the Home Energy Assistance Program, TANF is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Being part of these programs can often qualify you for clean energy upgrade programs like EmPower.

March 1st, 2023, 6PM - 8PM: Presentation on heat pumps, rebates, and energy efficiency upgrades. Presented by Mount Pleasant Conservation Advisory Council, Pleasantville Climate Smart Community Task Force, and Sustainable Westchester. At the Mount Pleasant Library. 

March 25th, 2023, 9AM - 1PM: The Power of Trees: A Bedford 2030 Community Forum. The Power of Trees will celebrate the critical role of trees in combating climate change. Regardless of experience or age, everyone is invited to take Climate Action NOW and embrace the Power of Trees. Event at Fox Lane High School.

Download the GridRewards™ app by March 31st and get ready to unplug and get paid!
Click here to learn more.

A big thank you to our Clean Energy Communities Campaign Teams, including: Bronxville Green Committee, Mount Pleasant Conservation Advisory Council, Pleasantville Climate Smart Communities Task Force, Dobbs Ferry Sustainability Task Force, Town of Pelham & Climate Smart Pelham for helping to advertise the webinar!

Let us know your thoughts about the webinar! Click on the survey below.