New Yorkers Setting Records Going Green

Utica, NY (WIBX) - New York homeowners are taking advantage of one of the state’s new energy efficiency programs, and setting records in the process. That’s according to the state’s Energy Research and Development Authority. Launched in November of last year by the State Legislature, the Green Jobs/Green New York program provides energy audits and financing to help people make their homes more energy efficient.

The program works in conjunction with the Home Performance Energy Star program, and conducted more than 800 energy efficient retrofits in January alone. In February, they completed more than 600 retrofits, setting a record for that month. Since November, the Energy Research group has received 4,141 applications for energy audits.

Those qualified for a free energy audit are indivuduals with incomes up to 200 percent of the areas median income. Also, reduced priced energy audits are available to households with incomes up to 400 percent of the median income. Another aspect the new initiative established is the energy loan program. NYSERDA is currently only offering the loan program to residential homeowners but will soon make the loans available to small businesses, non-profit organizations and multi-family dwellings. According to the report, the unsecured residential loans are capped at $13,000 for 5, 10 or 15 year terms.

The Green Jobs/Green New York energy program is funded with $112 million that was acquired by actioning carbon emission credits through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Also, officials say a $18.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy will be used for private investments.

For more information about the green energy and loan program contact 1-866-NYSERDA or visit, www.nyserda.org and search for the Green Jobs/Green New York Program.

WIBX Intern, Gino Geruntino contributed to this report.