NYSERDA Programs Available To New York Flood Victims
Release Date: October 12, 2006
Release Number: 1650-102
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York flood victims in 12 impacted counties may be eligible for assistance from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which offers energy efficiency improvements, including assistance with heating equipment damaged by the June floods.
Varying levels of financial assistance are available based on household income. Some of the criteria are:
- Flood victims must be customers of one of the six System Benefits Charge (SBC) participating utilities - Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, National Grid, Orange and Rockland, or Rochester Gas and Electric.
- Flood victims may be eligible even if previously served by the program.
- Flood victims will receive priority for service.
- Only those homes that are viable for continued habitation may receive NYSERDA funds.
- Income eligible households may receive services in coordination with the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
- Services provided are based on an energy assessment performed by a qualified Building Performance Institute (BPI)-accredited contractor.
EmPower New York serves households with incomes below 60 percent of State Median Income (SMI). The primary services are electric reduction measures, including replacement refrigerators and high efficiency lighting, and targeted home performance measures, including air sealing, insulation, and repair or replacement of heating systems. There is no charge to the eligible household for these services. Services may be coordinated with Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® or the Weatherization Assistance Program.
Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® serves households with incomes below 80 percent of SMI with comprehensive measures to enhance the health, safety, comfort, durability, and energy efficiency of homes. The program provides a subsidy for 50 percent of the project cost up to a maximum $5,000 grant for single family homes and a maximum $10,000 grant for two- to four-family homes. Central air conditioning replacement is not eligible. Low-interest loans may be available for the balance of the project cost. Households eligible for EmPower that proceed with a comprehensive workscope costing over $5,000 will receive an EmPower grant for $2,000 and Assisted grant for 50 percent of the balance, up to $5,000.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® serves households with incomes above 80 percent of SMI. It offers the same comprehensive services as the assisted component, and includes central air conditioning systems as eligible. Low-interest rate loans are available or the homeowner may choose a cash incentive of up to 10 percent of the cost of the eligible measures.
Peter R. Smith, President and CEO of NYSERDA said, "Along with FEMA, local governments, and private organizations, NYSERDA is providing energy efficiency assistance to victims of last June's floods through our New York Energy $martSM program. Our efforts to aid residents includes all eligible home performance energy efficiency measures, as well assistance in replacing damaged heating equipment with qualified energy-efficient models. I urge residents to take advantage of the services NYSERDA has available."
To learn more about these programs call 1-877-NY-SMART ((1-877- 697-6278). Information is also available on-line at: www.getenergysmart.org/WhereYouLive/Power/overview.asp.
While being registered with FEMA and the State is not necessary for assistance from NYSERDA, New Yorkers who have flood damage are encouraged to register for both the New York State Individual and Family Grant Program and FEMA before the October 16, 2006 deadline.
For the New York State Individual and Family Grant Program, call 1-888-7-NYS-AID (1-888-769-7243) or TTY: NYS Relay 711. Lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. You can also register on-line at www.labor.state.ny.us. New York's helpline is 1-888-329-7540 (open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday).
For federal programs, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at
1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY: 1-800-462-7585. Lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. You can also register online at www.fema.gov. The FEMA Helpline number is the same as the registration number: 1-800-621 FEMA.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 12-Oct-2006 15:05:49