Energy Workshop on Affordable Home Energy Improvements – October 13th

Sustianable South Bronx (SSBx) is hosting a forum on
Programs for Affordable Home Energy Improvements

Sustainable South Bronx (SSBx) is a community organization partnering with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), a public benefit corporation working to advance innovative energy solutions in ways that improve New York’s economy and environment. One of NYSERDA’s many programs is the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program for owners of 1-4 family homes, which offers free* or reduced cost home energy assessments provided by specially trained contractors.

The home assessments are like a check-up for your house. Included are health and safety measures like screening for natural gas and carbon monoxide leaks, and testing how much air the house is leaking and how much energy it is wasting. The contractor will give the homeowner a report that identifies the greatest opportunities for energy efficiency and lists the most cost-effective home improvement projects to make the home safer and more comfortable while lowering utility bills. The report will indicate how much the recommended measures would cost, and how long it would take for them to pay for themselves through energy savings. Homeowners wanting to carry out recommended projects with NYSERDA-approved and monitored contractors will qualify for discounts and low-interest loans. The loan payments can also be added to the homeowner’s Con Ed bill, with the monthly loan payment amount based on the estimated energy bill savings, so the homeowner does not pay anything extra out of pocket.

*Based on income levels, most New Yorkers will qualify for a free home assessment; a few will qualify for a subsidized assessment. If your household income is below $125,000 per year, the assessment is free. Those with incomes above that will qualify for a subsidized assessment.

This forum will provide information for residents about affordable home energy improvements through NYSERDA’s Home Performance with Energy Star Programs.The forum will include an overview of these programs.

A question and answer session will follow.

If you are interested in learning more about how to make your home more energy efficient, and the financial and environmental benefits, please join us.

The forum is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.