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In what promises to be a boost for not only cost-conscious homeowners, but also for energy companies in the new green economy, New York State is making available free residential energy audits.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is making the audits available to homeowner regardless of income. The initiative is part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s goal for New York to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030. The goals also include reaching zero carbon emissions from the generation of electricity by 2040.
”New York is leading the country when it comes to deploying a broad-based strategy to fight climate change, and New York homeowners can help play a role by lowering the carbon footprints of their own homes,” said Alicia Barton, president and CEO of NYSERDA. “The new Residential Energy Audit program will provide homeowners with an opportunity to lower their energy costs, fight climate change, and live sustainably and comfortably in their home by making informed home energy improvement decisions.”
The free audits became available Jan. 1 and are available for homes housing one to four families. The audits include reviewing homeowner’s energy bills and usage patterns, and result in a report on energy performance and ways to make improvements. Funding to cover the costs of the audits come from the state’s $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund.
Homeowners can find audit contractors participating in the program on NYSERDA’s website. As part of the audit program, consumers will also have access to green jobs, energy contractors who can help with home improvements to conserve energy and improve efficiency, and loans to pay for improvements.
“It’s great news that New York will now be offering a simpler home energy audit, free to all,” said Anne Reynolds, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. “We hope every New York homeowner uses this program–to learn how to save energy and money–for themselves, and for the planet.”
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