Efficiency First

On August 4th, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo signed On Bill Financing legislation into law, meaning that by this time next year many New Yorkers will be able to pay for energy efficiency improvements the same way they pay for energy–on their utility bill.

Since the bill’s passage, the Efficiency First New York Chapter has been hard at work communicating Home Performance industry priorities to NYSERDA, and educating NY members about how the program will function (including a recent webinar presentation).

A bit of background:

Due to the work of Efficiency First members — and a broad coalition  of supporters across the state — New York’s legislature passed On Bill Recovery legislation back in June. It was the result of a LOT of hard work — member companies sent letters, made phone calls, met in-person with legislators both in Albany and in local districts and more. And Efficiency First New York leaders worked directly with legislators and staff in Albany to get the bill passed.

The bill mandated that the large utilities in New York offer customers the ability to finance energy efficiency retrofits through loans paid back on customers’ utility bills. The legislation delegated much of the implementation to NYSERDA, a state agency that runs other Home Performance programs as well.

The On Bill Financing program is still in the planning stages, which is why it’s important for Efficiency First New York members to stay engaged in the process and ensure that the program is rolled out in ways that work for Home Performance companies. Efficiency First New York will be keeping up with the latest and getting key information out to members.

Earlier this month, Efficiency First New York conducted a webinar that outlined the basics about the program and how Home Performance companies can help ensure it’s success. The webinar pdf and recording will be posted here. Make sure to contact NewYork@efficiencyfirst.org if you’d like to get involved with the New York chapter.