New York to Offer $14.5 Million in Incentives for New High-Efficiency Homes
A New York agency is using heavy incentives to encourage residents to incorporate high-efficiency features in their homes to reduce monthly utility bills.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recently announced $3 million in rebates for homeowners who purchased high-efficiency refrigerators and clothes washers. At the same time, the agency also announced the re-launch of its annual New York ENERGY STAR Homes program, started in 2001, which will provide $14.5 million in incentives to homebuilders for new home constructions that are significantly more energy-efficient than required by the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code.
The incentives will be available to homebuilders through Dec. 31, 2011.
New home constructions, including single-family homes, 2- to 4-unit residences, townhomes and patio homes will be eligible for program incentives. Low-rise, multi-unit residential buildings used for such purposes as senior or family housing, assisted living residences and apartment-style student housing will also be eligible.
Homebuilder incentives include $1,250 for homes in upstate New York and $1,500 for homes in the five counties of New York City, Westchester County, and eligible territories of Long Island. Incentives are also available for credentialed installers or for a model or display homes. A $500 affordable housing incentive is also available.
According to NYSERDA, ENERGY STAR’ certified new constructions typically cost 1 percent to 3 percent more than standard constructions but are about 18 percent more energy-efficient than homes meeting state code standards.
Currently, 475 builders are NYSERDA partners in the New York ENERGY STAR Homes program. For more information about incentives, residents and homebuilders can visit www.NYSERDA.org.
Sources
NYSERDA Relaunches ENERGY STAR Homes Program with $14.5 Million in Incentives for Building High Efficiency Homes, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority press release, Aug. 23, 2011.