(old) Low-rise Residential New Construction Program

December 02, 2016

Summary

New program summary created http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/edit/5947

NYSERDA’s Low-rise Residential New Construction Programs are designed to encourage more industry involvement in the building of single-family homes and low-rise residential units that are more energy-efficient than code compliant homes and units. The program provides both financial and technical assistance to participating buildings and developers, as well as to the Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET) Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Providers and Home Energy Raters.

Eligibility

Incentives are available for projects located within the service territory of an electric or natural gas utility that collects the System Benefits Charge (SBC) or the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS) surcharge. The utility service territories that currently meet this requirement are as follows: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, National Fuel, National Grid, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., PSEG Long Island, and Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation.

To be considered for the program, the building(s) should be a newly constructed residential dwelling that is not more than 3 stories in height. Buildings greater than 3 stories can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Buildings that have been “gut-rehabbed” or fully-rehabilitated will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

In addition, the project should have not participated in other utility program funded through System Benefit Charge (SBC) within 1 year prior to the application, and after participation in this program, the project is ineligible to pursue other incentives funded through EEPS or SBC for one year.

Program Description

To participate in the program, the builders, HVAC contractors, HERS providers and Home Energy Raters must apply to become a partner with NYSERDA.  Each category of participation requires a separate application, which can be accessed here.

For Partner-Builders:   

The incentive amounts offered to Partner-Builders are classified into different “Tiers”.  Tier 1 includes ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Version 3.0 and New York Energy $mart Homes, which qualify for $2,000 per dwelling unit.  Tier 2 includes ENERGY STAR certified homes version 3.1, which quality for $2,500 for units smaller than 1,500 sq. ft. and $3,000 for units greater than or equal to 1,500 sq. ft. Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 incentive amounts are reduced by $1,000 for participants in the PSEG Long Island utility territory. Tier 3 includes homes that are designed to achieve net zero energy inclusive of installed PV. These units qualify for $4,000 per unit smaller than 1,500 sq. ft. and $8000 for units greater than 1,500 sq. ft.  The Tier 3 incentive is not available to participants in PSEG Long Island territory. The application for the incentive must be filed within 60 days of the confirmed Home Energy Rating or as mentioned in the Project Application.

Eligible Partner-Builders can also apply for an additional Model Home or Display Home incentive amount of $1,000. To qualify for this incentive, the builder must obtain prior approval from NYSERDA. The model or display home should meet the minimum requirement of the Tier 1 category, as well as specific requirements for model homes or display events as described in Program Opportunity Notice (PON)2309.

Finally, the First Plan Review and Rating Incentive amount of $1,000 is offered to Partner-Builders after completion of the builder’s first home to program standards. Participants in PSEG Long Island territory are eligible for both the Model/Display home and the First Plan Review and Rating incentives.

For Low income home buyers:  An Affordable Housing Incentive of $ 500 is provided to home owners or buyers of dwelling units that have been completed through the Low-rise Residential New Construction Program, if their household income meets the Program’s affordable housing guidelines. To apply the homebuyer must submit a Consumer Incentive Form with a copy of the deed.

 For Home Energy Rating Providers (HERS):  Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET) accredited HERS Providers, are eligible for an incentive amount of $100 per qualified dwelling unit.

Cooperative Advertising for Builders, HERS providers and HERS Raters:  An incentive amount of up to $100,000 (see above) is available to Builders, and Raters to cover a portion of the advertising cost of the New York ENERGY STAR Certified Homes. The incentive amount is based on the number of houses and type of marketing products. The advertising and content must be submitted for prior review and must receive approval.

Further specifications, including information on becoming a participating builder, minimum performance standards, and contact information for regional account managers (organized by county), are available on the program website.

NYSERDA has contracted the Conservation Services Group (CSG) to implement the program. Any project specific or questions related to the incentives must be submitted to the NYSERDA contact listed below.