Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is administered by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). WAP is committed to reducing heating costs for low-income families, particularly the elderly, people with disabilities, and children by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and ensuring their health and safety. The program is funded annually by the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition, the program also receives funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. AEA is one of three local service providers in the Bronx under contract with the DHCR to provide weatherization services to low income families.  

The owner of the house/building must fill out an application and at least fifty percent of the units must meet income guidelines. After approval of the application AEA conducts a comprehensive professional building analysis of the applicant's home or building, and based on that analysis and the funds available, installs cost-effective weatherization measures. The measures which may be indicated by the building analysis fall into five major categories:

I. Heating efficiency measures:  These measures are designed to improve the operation of the system which delivers heat to the dwelling unit and may include a cleaning and tuning of the furnace or boiler, repairs, modifications and replacements, as needed.  Also included in this category is work on the distribution system which brings heat to the unit.

II. Infiltration measures:  These are measures designed to keep warm air in and cold air out. 

III. Conduction measures: These are insulation measures designed to reduce the conduction of heat from the interior to the exterior of the unit.

IV. Repairs: This category includes any repairs that may be needed to preserve or protect the weatherization materials installed.

V. Health and Safety: These are measures designed to reduce health and safety hazards or to notify residents of their presence.

For more information, please contact Francis Rodriguez at 718.292.6733 ext.211 or frodriguez@aeanyc.org.

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Multifamily Performance Program (MPP)

AEA has been approved by NYSERDA as a Multifamily Peformance Partner in its new Multifamily Performance Program (MPP), the successor to its Assisted Multifamily Program (AMP).  

AEA works as a project manager under contract with the building owner, manager or developer to achieve the building performance goals and access the financial incentives available through this NYSERDA program. 

Through the Existing Buildings Component,  AEA's role as the MPP Partner is to develop, and help to implement, a scope of work that will improve the project's energy performance by 20%.  This performance target is determined by using NYSERDA's Benchmarking Tool, which compares the building's current actual energy consumption to that of other, similar multifamily buildings.  AEA conducts an energy assessment of the building and develops an Energy Reduction Plan that both summarizes the results of the comprehensive energy performance assessment and provides a scope of work that specifies the energy reduction measures that can be implemented to achieve the performance target.

Types of energy efficiency improvements eligible for funding:

• Electric resistance heat replacement
• Energy management systems installation
• Boiler and water heater replacement
• Efficient motors installation
• Insulation, duct sealing, and weather stripping
• Appliance replacement
• High efficiency lighting
• Advanced meters and submetering
• Energy efficient windows installation
• Other measures including new technologies 

To be eligible for the Multifamily Performance Program:

• The Property must consist of 5 or more units
• The Property must pay utility bills to Niagara Mohawk, NYSEG, Rochester Gas & Electric, Central Hudson, Orange & Rockland or ConEdison

The program serves both market rate and affordable housing, with the NYSERDA incentives being greater for the affordable housing participants.

To be eligible for the affordable housing incentives in the Existing Buildings Component, the owner must demonstrate that the property is publicly-subsidized or that at least 25% of residents receive public assistance or earn below 80% of the State median (please see program eligibility chart for numerical figures)

Comparing Program Eligibility for the Affordable MPP and Weatherization Assistance Program:

25% of building residents must earn less than 80% of the State Median Income (SMI) in order to qualify as afforable housing under NYSERDA's MPP, whereas 50% of building residents must earn less than 60% of the SMI in order to qualify for WAP.  Total household income cannot be greater than the numbers below in order to qualify for each program. 

If you are interested in working with AEA and becoming a participant in NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program, please contact Marta Bell at 212.279.4307 or email  MPPinfo@aeanyc.org. If you are interested in applying for this program, please register here.

For more information on this NYSERDA program visit  http://www.getenergysmart.org

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Home Performance with Energy Star and Assisted Home Performance with Energy Star 

AEA staff members oversee the ASSISTED HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR program  for individuals who qualify. Subsidies as well as low-interest loans are available through this program. Please,to see the income qualification guidelines to see if you qualify.

AEA staff members oversee the ASSISTED HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR program for individuals who qualify. Subsidies as well as low-interest loans are available through this program. Please click (here)    to see the income qualification guidelines and determine if you qualify. AEA can help you cost-effectively improve your home's energy efficiency. These specially-trained contractors evaluate your home using state-of-the-art equipment and recommend comprehensive improvements that will yield the best results. They can also help you take advantage of Federal tax credits for energy efficiency improvements.

As part of the Home Assessment process, a testing fee is required to perform the energy assessment of your home. Customers can make check or money order payable to Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. 

What to expect from your Home Performance contractor
Receive more detailed lender contact information
Download an application
Looking for some simple energy saving tips?
Want more State and Government Tax saving information?
Interested in home heating and cooling equipment tax credit information?

For more information about HP/AHP Programs, please contact Matt Dean at 718.292.6733 ext.220 or mdean@aeanyc.org.

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NATIONAL GRID Low Income Residential Energy Conservation Program

National Grid Low Income Residential Energy Conservation Program is administered by the Association for Energy Affordability in partnership with National Grid. The National Grid Low Income Residential Energy Conservation Program is designed to reduce heating costs for low-income families living in National Grid service territory (Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island & Long Island) by improving the energy efficiency of their homes/buildings. The program is funded annually by National Grid and is available to both Small Homes (1-4 units) and Multifamily Buildings (5 or more units).

The owner of the house/building must live in National Grid service territory and must be a firm gas customer. Additionally, at least fifty percent of the units must meet income guidelines, which are equivalent to the New York State Weatherization guidelines. After approval of the application, AEA will conduct a comprehensive energy audit/analysis of the applicant's home or building, and based on that assessment and the funds available, will install cost-effective measures.

Specific measures that directly address the Heating or DHW Load of the house/building, include but are not limited to the following:          

1.  Attic or roof space insulation.

2.  Wall insulation

3.  Crawl space insulation

4.  Air sealing

5.  Low E Argon filled windows

6.  Heating pipe insulation

7.  Heating system repair, upgrade or replacement.

8.  Small energy-related repairs for heating systems

9.  Heating controls

10.  Energy management systems

All measures shall meet the Program cost-effectiveness standards.

To the extent feasible AEA will coordinate with New York State Weatherization Agencies & NYSERDA Programs.

For more information, please contact Taina Palombo-Price at 718.292.6733 ext. 210 or tainap@aeanyc.org.

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EmPower New York^SM

The EmPower New York^SM program offers energy services for income qualified customers, at no cost to tenants. The program is funded through NYSERDA under an agreement with the New York State Public Service Commission. AEA acts as an implementer of EmPower, providing services and technical support to low-income tenants who qualify. Services may include: replacement of old, inefficient refrigerators; installation of high-efficiency lighting; and tips on how to save energy. Services are targeted to customers on the basis of energy usage and the potential for energy-saving measures. In order to qualify, you must:

• Live in a building with 100 units or less
• Participate in a utility payment assistance program or have a household income below 60% of state median income (see income eligibility)
• Be the customer of record for one of the following utilities: Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, National Grid, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric

For more information, contact Adele Nieves at 718.292.6733 ext.201 or anieves@aeanyc.org.

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