ConEdison, in collaboration with the Joint Utilities of New York and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), has initiated the Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program (AMEEP). Specifically aimed at affordable housing, this program incentivizes substantial energy efficiency upgrades. It focuses on holistic retrofit projects encompassing heating, cooling, insulation, and lighting enhancements, making buildings more energy-efficient and comfortable for residents. Unlocking NYC government rebates for affordable multifamily buildings begins by understanding the AMEEP points-based system.
The system focuses on comprehensive retrofit projects that accumulate enough points to qualify for significant incentives, reaching up to $2,000 per dwelling unit. This approach supports energy efficiency and makes financial sense for building owners.
Understanding ConEdison’s Energy Efficiency Rebates
ConEdison offers financial incentives for equipment upgrades aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in affordable multifamily buildings with over five residential units. These upgrades not only lead to reduced monthly bills and improved energy efficiency but also align with New York State’s climate goals. The program is exclusive to properties developed and maintained as affordable housing in the NYC and Long Island regions served by Con Edison and National Grid.
Comprehensive vs. Non-Comprehensive Pathways
The program is structured into two distinct pathways: Comprehensive and Non-Comprehensive, each catering to different scales of retrofit projects.
- Non-Comprehensive Pathway:
- Suitable For: Smaller-scale upgrades or projects that don’t meet the 100-point threshold for the Comprehensive pathway.
- Incentive Structure: Determined by the type of equipment installed and the energy savings achieved.
- Comprehensive Pathway:
- Suitable For: Large-scale projects or whole-building retrofits.
- Incentives: More substantial, with a mid-project incentive payment.
- Points System: Requires accumulation of at least 100 points to qualify. Projects are rewarded based on a dollar-per-dwelling-unit system, divided into two tiers: Tier 1 (100–149 Points) at $1,500 per unit, and Tier 2 (150+ Points) at $2,000 per unit.
- Energy Audit: An energy audit by an approved Energy Provider is essential before starting the project. This audit helps in identifying the scope of work and potential energy efficiency opportunities. The program offers significant cost coverage for these audits, including a 50% cost share at completion and an additional 25% if a comprehensive retrofit follows.
Comprehensive Pathway Incentives
The Comprehensive Pathway is tailored for extensive retrofit projects impacting multiple building systems. This pathway offers more substantial incentives, including a mid-project payment option. It adopts a points-based system, requiring projects to amass at least 100 points to qualify. Incentives are granted on a per dwelling unit basis, with two tiers of financial rewards.
- Incentive Tiers:
- Tier 1 (100-149 Points): $1,500 per dwelling unit.
- Tier 2 (150+ Points): $2,000 per dwelling unit.
- Energy Audit Requirement: An energy audit conducted by an approved Energy Provider is mandatory to determine the project’s scope.
- Cost Coverage: The program covers up to 75% of audit costs, including a 50% cost share upon audit completion and an additional 25% if a comprehensive energy retrofit is pursued.
Non-Comprehensive Pathway Incentives
The Non-Comprehensive Pathway aims towards smaller-scale upgrades, the incentives are calculated based on the specific equipment installed and the resultant energy savings.
Eligible Measures for Points
The program assigns points for a range of energy efficiency measures, such as:
- 40 Points: Key installations like window replacements, boiler upgrades, and roof/wall insulation.
- 30 Points: Improvements in hot water and steam pipe insulation, central cooling, and elevator systems.
- 20 Points: Enhancements in air sealing, steam traps, and HVAC electric controls.
- 10 Points: Updates in energy management systems and boiler maintenance.
- 5 Points: Simple but effective upgrades like common area lighting and in-unit installations (LEDs, aerators).
How to Determine Your Incentive
- Point Calculation: Total the points for the intended energy-saving installations.
- Tier Identification: Determine whether the project aligns with Tier 1 or Tier 2.
- Calculate Incentive: Multiply the appropriate incentive rate by the number of dwelling units in the building.
The Cozy and ConEdison’s Rebates
Kelvin’s Cozy is an insulated radiator cover that intelligently controls and distributes heat. The Cozy works by enclosing traditional radiators and then using smart technology to manage the heat output. It achieves this by controlling the steam flow and optimizing the condensation process within the radiator system.
By installing Cozys, buildings can significantly reduce their overall energy consumption. This is because the Cozy’ mitigates the need for excessive heating, leading to a decrease in energy wastage.
Qualifying for ConEdison’s Rebates with The Cozy
When buildings install Cozys, they update and increase their chances of qualifying for ConEdison’s energy efficiency rebates. The Cozy can help buildings accrue points under the Comprehensive Pathway of ConEdison’s rebate program, especially in categories of boiler replacement, insulation, and energy management systems.
Combining Cozys with ConEdison’s rebate incentives presents a significant opportunity for cost savings and a strong return on investment (ROI). The initial cost of installing Cozys’ can be offset by rebates and long-term savings in energy costs. Learn more about Kelvin’s Success Stories.
Source: ConEdison Rebates and Incentives – https://www.coned.com/en/save-money/rebates-incentives-tax-credits
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