New York Becomes First State in the Nation to Implement the Federal Inflation Reduction Act’s HEAR Program

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, is moving forward with implementing the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program under the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), making New York the first state in the nation to do so. This federal rebate program expands NYSERDA’s EmPower+ incentives for low-income households making energy efficiency and electrification upgrades, and the state agency is currently applying for additional IRA funding to cover moderate-income households and larger multifamily residential buildings.

The three-pronged goal is to (1) lower energy costs for homeowners and renters, (2) improve the environment and electrical grid, and (3) create good-paying jobs in construction, utilities, and domestic manufacturing.

Federal, state, and local officials made the announcement on Thursday, May 30th at the Andromeda Community Initiative, a workforce training facility located in Long Island City, Queens. Among the speakers and invited guests were U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, White House Senior Advisor John Podesta, Governor Kathy Hochul, NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, City Council member Julie Won, housing and community advocates, and union members and representatives. For more information, call 1-866-NYSERDA (6973732) or visit energy.gov/save.