The Biden administration announced Thursday that New York is launching a federally backed energy rebate program, making it the first state to deploy a portion of $8.5 billion in funding authorized by one of the largest climate initiatives in the Inflation Reduction Act.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is partnering with the Department of Energy to formally open the rebate program after DOE approved the state’s application in April. The rebates target low-income residents and can be used for heat pumps, insulation, electric stoves and other equipment that cuts home energy costs.
“The Inflation Reduction Act contains the most significant federal investment in home energy efficiency in U.S. history, which can help lower costs,” a senior DOE official told reporters Wednesday ahead of the launch. “The home energy rebates program is a key part of this initiative.”
The official said DOE transferred $158 million to New York to implement the program. New York officials will use the rebate funding to build on an existing state program called EmPower+, which supports home retrofits.
