ALBANY COUNTY — New York State has $34 million in federal funding awards for over 1,000 homes to become more energy efficient. The money is to reduce energy costs for low-income homeowners and renters.
The funding, dispersed through the state’s Weatherization Stimulus Program, will support electrification and electrification-ready upgrades that will lower energy costs and improve health outcomes for income-eligible renters and homeowners.

 The money is intended to reach households that otherwise would not be eligible for deep decarbonization assistance, according to a release from the governor’s office.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allocated additional funding to states to support heat and energy conservation programs for low-income households, including the federally-funded Weatherization Assistance Program.

Using the existing network of Weatherization Assistance Program sub-grantees, 31 awards were granted to not-for-profit community developmental organizations and local municipalities to support project scoping and complete work to improve energy efficiency and decrease carbon emissions in income-eligible single and multi-family homes throughout New York State.

In Albany County, $84,991 was awarded to Albany County Opportunity Inc. doing business as Albany Community Action Partners.

Work may include cold climate heat pump installation; improvements to electrical service; ventilation cleaning, sealing, and balancing; health and safety building repairs; and building envelope improvements including enhanced insulation and air sealing.

“New York’s nation-leading clean energy goals require that we reduce harmful building emissions across all communities,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in the release. “Our comprehensive decarbonization strategy includes resources to ensure low- and moderate-income New Yorkers are not left behind in the transition. This $34 million will bring us closer to our goal of reaching two million climate-friendly homes by 2030 and achieving a better and greener future for the next generation of New Yorkers.”