New Yorkers in low-income households will have a chance to upgrade the energy efficiency in their homes while helping control climate change.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that New York is the first state to offer the first phase of Inflation Reduction Act’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates — HEAR — program funding to consumers.

The initial $39.6 million formula grant will expand the reach of New York’s EmPower+ program by allowing more low-income families to improve their homes with energy efficiency and electrification upgrades that will reduce energy costs and transition away from burning fossil fuels in their homes.

Eligible owners of one- to four-family households that have a household income below 80 percent of the area median income or participate in a utility payment assistance program will automatically be enrolled to benefit from HEAR incentives when they apply to the EmPower+ program.

Incentives are provided to residents through EmPower+ contractors to reduce the cost of installing energy efficiency and electrification upgrades in a home or apartment, making them more affordable for New Yorkers.

NYSERDA is currently working towards developing and submitting the full HEAR application to enable rebate offers to moderate-income residents, up to 150 percent of area median income, and to owners of larger low- and moderate-income multifamily buildings, including high-efficiency electric appliance rebates.

More information including the application process and eligibility requirements is available at NYSERDA’s website.