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 [...]

Efficiency First New York applauds the passage of on-bill financing legislation, a job creation measure in the Power NY Act (A.8510-Cahill/S.5844-Maziarz) that will allow homeowners to finance energy-efficiency improvements through payments on their utility bill. On the eve of June 22nd, 2011 the legislation passed with overwhelming majorities in both houses (117-13 in the Assembly [...]

Proponents of energy retrofit programs are hopeful about the possibility of passing federal legislation that would protect bond programs for renewable and energy efficiency projects for homeowners. The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act has provided alternative financing opportunities for those looking to conduct energy efficiency retrofits. It has funded retrofits for commercial properties but [...]

The FHA PowerSaver Loan Webinar Recording is now available! Click here to watch the recording and download the PDF. (Efficiency First member login required) Lender Information: During the Webinar we promised to publish a list of contact information for lenders. As lenders were recently choosen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the information [...]

The Federal Housing Authority has just announced a low-cost financing option for families who want energy-saving technologies in their home. Please join us this Wednesday for Efficiency First’s Webinar: FHA PowerSaver Loan Program: What your Company Needs to Know Wednesday, May 11th @ 12:30 pm EST Click here to Register! This Webinar will teach your [...]

A new case study examines the economic effects of PACE for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level, including job growth, economic activity, and energy savings: Economic Impacts from the Boulder County, Colorado, ClimateSmart Loan Program: Using Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/50555.pdf). The case study was funded by the DOE’s Solar America Communities [...]

A White House fact sheet issued today in support of a speech by President Obama on the topic of energy security reiterates the administration’s support for the proposed HOME STAR incentive program. Under the heading “Innovating Our Way to a Clean Energy Future,” the fact sheet states that: Our homes, businesses and factories consume over [...]

Thank you to those that tuned in for Efficiency First’s Webinar, “The Future of your Business: Direction of the Home Performance Industry-Home Star, Tax Credits & your Local Communities” last week on 3/23. Over 800 people joined us from all over the country. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the Webinar on [...]

Efficiency First Policy Chair Matt Golden was interviewed for a recent article in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration NEWS that analyzes the past, present and future of the proposed HOME STAR energy retrofit program. After summarizing the history of HOME STAR legislation debated last year in Congress, the article explains how Capitol Hill politics and [...]

The Future of your Business: Direction of the Home Performance Industry-Home Star, Tax Credits & your Local Communities. Wednesday March 23 @ 12:30pm EST/ 9:30am PST This session will discuss the status of Home Star, the development of local utility based programs, the impact of state budget cuts on your business and Efficiency First’s roll [...]