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Combined Residential Application

EmPower+ Program Prior Services Check 

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Program/s: EmPower+  
To: Participating Contractors 
Summary: EmPower+ Program Prior Services Check 
Questions: Please Contact Contractor Support at 1-800-284-9069 

In May 2024, in conjunction with the launch of IRA incentives, NYSERDA removed the three-year look back requirement as part of the EmPower+ application process. The three-year look back was initially established to limit a household that had reached the Program incentive cap from participating in EmPower+ again until three years had passed. The removal of the look back requirement allows households to realize more energy savings in a shorter time frame by removing the three-year wait between EmPower+ projects.  

With the removal of the three-year look back, NYSERDA has implemented a prior services check. The purpose of this check is to ensure that the measures a participating contractor is proposing on an EmPower+ project are not duplicative of work that has been recently completed. Upon submission of an EmPower+ Application, TRC will note in the application file if an EmPower+ project was recently completed. When the application information is sent to NYHEP, CLEAResult will be notified that a recent EmPower+ project has been completed and they will ensure that the measures being proposed on the new project were not incentivized on a recently installed project.  

If a participating contractor is planning on multiple projects at a household, the expectation is that the projects will follow a logical progression. For example, if the initial project includes $3,000 in air-sealing measures to prepare the home for a heat pump, the follow up project should not include an additional $6,000 in air-sealing, it should be focusing on the heat pump equipment.  In addition, the participating contractor should not be charging for an additional audit. If the follow-on project is occurring within a reasonable time frame and there has been no significant changes at the residence, the contractor should be using the test-out information from the previous project.  Likewise, energy education and direct install measures should not be charged to the second project as these measures should have been covered in the first project.  

In addition, when multiple projects for the same address are to be submitted to the Program each individual project must stand on its own. Savings from the previous project cannot be leveraged to make the subsequent project meet Program requirements.  

Finally, there can be only one open EmPower+ project at a residence at any given time. If a project is open and an EmPower+ Application is received for the residence from either the existing participating contractor or a new participating contractor the application will be denied until the existing EmPower+ project is completed.   If there are any questions, please contact Contractor Support at 1-800-284-9069. 

EmPower+ Program Dense Packing Wall Cavity Updates 

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Program/s: EmPower+  
To: Participating Contractors 
Summary: EmPower+ Program Dense Packing Wall Cavity Updates 
Questions: Please Contact Contractor Support at 1-800-284-9069 

Beginning December 1, 2024, the EmPower+ program will no longer provide incentives for the dense packing of wall cavities or ceiling slopes in instances where the cavity includes pre-existing insulation that does not allow for the proper installation of the proposed material to achieve the final R-value according to the insulation manufacturer specifications and workscope submitted to program.  

To be eligible for EmPower+ incentives wall cavities proposed for insulation upgrades must have a minimum void depth of 2 inches. 

Building component example that does NOT qualify: 

  • 2×4 wall cavity that has 2 inches (or more) of pre-existing fiberglass insulation. 

Building component example that DOES qualify: 

  • 2×6 wall cavity that has 3 inches (or less) of preexisting fiberglass insulation.   

Floor cavities located above an attached or tuck-under garage, above unconditioned spaces, and cantilevers are exempt from this Program rule. Contractors still must verify there is space in the existing cavity to add the proposed insulation upgrade by providing photos of the available space in the floor cavities.  

Assessment 
Contractors must conduct a thorough assessment of wall cavities or ceiling slopes before proposing these areas for additional insulation work through EmPower+. 

  • The assessment must document the type, condition, and R-value of the existing insulation and be included in the Existing Conditions section of the Workscope Submission step in NYHEP. 

Compliance 
Workscope submissions that include the dense packing of wall cavities or ceiling slopes where the proposed cavity includes pre-existing insulation must include photos of the existing wall cavity conditions to support that the combined R-value and density of new and existing insulation will meet manufacturer installation specifications. 

NYHEP Workflow 

Workscope Submission 
All wall cavity or ceiling slope insulation proposals involving pre-existing insulation must be submitted for approval as part of the workscope submission. NYHEP will be updated so wall insulation measures are not auto approved.  At the Workscope Submission step, contractors must submit clear photos of the open space in the cavity, via a borescope or other industry practice(s). IR camera images alone will not be accepted.  

Final Project Submission 
Geo-tagged post-installation photos must be provided in the single PDF submitted in NYHEP at the Final Project Submission workflow step to verify compliance with the approved proposal and manufacturer specifications. Photos must include clear detail of installed insulation prior to sealing off wall cavity or ceiling slope access point. 

Expected Outcomes 
Program expects contractors to fill 100% of each cavity achieving the final R-value included in the workscope submission while meeting the required insulation manufacturer specifications. 

  • As best practice, contractors are advised to provide the customer with a dated manufacturer insulation receipt signed by the installer that minimally includes Installed insulation type, coverage area, installed thickness, minimum settled thickness, installed R-value, and number of bags installed at the home at time of final project completion. 
  • Contractors are asked to keep a record of this on hand for any projects that include this type of measure receiving incentives through the program. 

Non-Compliance  
Contractors installing insulation in wall cavities or slope surfaces that included pre-existing insulation and are non-compliant with the updated guidelines will be required to cover the cost of the insulation. 

  • Charging the customer for the non-compliant measure will not be permitted. Incentives paid for the non-compliant measure will be reimbursed by the contractor. 
  • Additional disciplinary action may be taken against the contractor according to the current Program Manual. 

This update was covered in the November 1, 2024, Contractor Webinar which can be found here.  Prior to the effective date, Sections 5.18 and 8.2 of the Program Manual will be updated to reflect these program changes. If there are any questions, please reach out to Contractor Support at 1-800-284-9069. 

MyEnergy Portal Now Live for the Appliance Upgrade Program!

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Program/s: Appliance Upgrade Program and EmPower+ Program
To: Participating Contractors
Summary: MyEnergy for the Appliance Upgrade Program (AUP) is officially operational and available for use. MyEnergy functionality for EmPower+ will go-live November 21, 2024.

What MyEnergy Means for Residential Customers 

NYSERDA is excited to announce that MyEnergy Portal is now live, the direct URL is plan.MyEnergy.ny.gov. New York State Customers can now utilize the MyEnergy Portal to apply and receive rebates for the new Appliance Upgrade Program (AUP), connect with Participating Contractors, Participating Retailers (AUP only), and Regional Clean Energy Hubs.

Effective today, all AUP applications can now be started and submitted through MyEnergy. Through the AUP, Customers can receive rebates for the installation of an ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump clothes dryer (including all-in-one washer-dryers with a heat pump dryer) and electrical wiring and panel upgrades that may be needed as part of the appliance installation.

What MyEnergy Means for You

As a Participating EmPower+ Contractor, beginning November 21, 2024, you will be able to submit applications on behalf of Customers in the MyEnergy Portal as well as documentation for completed projects. All existing and new EmPower+ applications will continue to use the current system until the migration to MyEnergy is complete on November 21, 2024.

If you enroll as a Participating Contractor with AUP, you can submit applications on behalf of Customers, provide rebates through the Installation Coupon, and Installations for Program Measures, which are the following:

  • Appliance Installations (including the disconnection/capping of a gas line and existing exhaust vent)
  • Electrical Wiring Upgrades
  • Electrical Panel Upgrades

Installation incentives are available for these Program Measures, which follow the below structure:

  • $200 per dwelling unit for a substantial installation located within a disadvantaged community (DAC); plus
  • $150 per dwelling unit for the installation of one measure; OR
  • $300 per dwelling unit for the installation of two or more measures.

Participating Contractors are eligible to receive a maximum total of $500/dwelling unit for the Program Measure Installations.

How to Become an AUP Participating Contractor

As an existing Participating EmPower+ Contractor, NYSERDA has a simplified path for becoming a Participating Contractor in the AUP; interested contractors may visit the open enrollment solicitation, Program Opportunity Notice (PON 5859) to apply and learn more. The general steps are outlined below.

The AUP Team is seeking for following trades for enrollment:

  • Appliance Installers (i.e., installers who can perform plug and play appliance installations)
  • Plumbers
  • Electricians

All interested contractors must submit a signed Contractor Application, which includes:

  1. Signed Contractor Participation Agreement
  2. Company W-9
  3. Certificate of Insurance (COI)
  4. Trade-specific requirements outlined in the Program Manual, Section 6.2

Upon application submission, interested contractors can expect to hear from the AUP Team within 7-10 business days with next steps.

Once the application has been approved, contractors will participate in training to be onboarded as a Participating Contractor and learn about the necessary tasks to perform in the MyEnergy Portal.

After this training, Participating Contractors will be able to submit applications on behalf of Customers and upload project documentation to receive Installation Coupon reimbursement and Participating Contractor Installation incentives.

For EmPower+ Applications

All existing and new EmPower+ applications will continue to use the current system until the migration to MyEnergy is complete on November 21, 2024.  Until then, the EmPower+ application page from MyEnergy will redirect you to the current EmPower+ application page.

Support Resources

The following resources are available to assist you with utilizing MyEnergy:

  • Knowledge Base Articles and Training Recordings: MyEnergy portal user guides are now active for the Appliance Upgrade Program. These provide step-by-step instructions, best practices, and troubleshooting tips via the NYSERDA Knowledge Base. Supporting materials for the EmPower+ Program will be available on November 21, 2024.
  • Training Sessions: We will offer the following training sessions to familiarize you with the new processes for the EmPower+ Program:
    • Training Session 3: Wednesday, November 6 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. ET (Register Here)
    • Training Session 4: Thursday, November 7 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET (Register Here)
    • Training Session 5: Tuesday, November 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET (Register Here)
    • Training Session 6: Thursday, November 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET (Register Here)
  • Additional Support: If you have additional questions about NYSERDA programs, your application, or need assistance with the MyEnergy portal please submit the request support form on MyEnergy. A NYSERDA representative will be sent an email on your behalf.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We are confident that MyEnergy will transform the way New Yorkers engage with clean energy programs, making it easier than ever to access the latest technologies and incentives.

Date Change for Go-Live timing of MyEnergy portal

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Program/s: EmPower+
To: Participating Contractors
Summary: MyEnergy portal now live AUP on October 28, 2024. EmPower+ will go-live on November 21, 2024
Contact with Questions: Please contact [email protected]

As previously announced, NYSERDA has launched MyEnergy, a platform designed to enhance residential customer engagement with home and building clean energy improvements. The Appliance Upgrade Program at MyEnergy launched on October 28, 2024, with EmPower+ functionality available on November 21, 2024.

Effective November 21, 2024, EmPower+ contractors can use MyEnergy to complete the following actions:

· Start new EmPower+ application on behalf of a resident

· Access previously submitted EmPower+ applications

· Determine a resident’s eligibility for EmPower+ and Appliance Upgrade Program

· Submit Appliance Upgrade Program sales documentation

· Get support by submitting questions regarding NYSERDA programs, applications, or support with MyEnergy

Training Opportunities: Training opportunities have begun and will continue in November for Participating Contractors and Regional Clean Energy Hubs.

This training will equip participants to effectively navigate and utilize MyEnergy, a portal designed to enhance residential customer engagement with home and building energy efficiency and clean energy improvements. The initial rollout of MyEnergy will support New York households by enabling residents to qualify for home energy improvement incentives, apply for incentive programs, including EmPower+ and the new Appliance Upgrade Program, and connect with Installation Contractors, Participating Retailers, and Regional Clean Energy Hubs.

Register for upcoming training sessions:

  • Training Session 4: Thursday, November 7 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET Register here

Additional trainings and Office Hours will be announced in the coming weeks.

If there are any questions, please contact Contractor Support at 1-800-284-9069 or email [email protected]

Important Considerations:

  • Comfort Home Applications: Applications for the Comfort Home Program will be available on MyEnergy in 2025. In the meantime, residents eligible for the Comfort Home program will be guided to NYSERDA’s Find a Contractor page. From there, they can connect with a certified contractor who will assist in conducting an assessment and identifying potential energy-saving projects.
  • Multifamily Residential Program: Applications for the Multifamily Residential Program will be available on MyEnergy in 2025. A separate communication will be distributed for this effort.

MyEnergy Recorded Demonstrations and Trainings:

During our Contractor Check-In on September 9, 2024, we conducted a demonstration of MyEnergy where we highlighted the numerous benefits of the platform. The session covered essential topics such as navigating the interface, submitting applications, and more! A link to watch the demonstration will be available soon. 

EmPower+ Program Heat Pump Rules Changes and Updated Test Out Form

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Program/s: EmPower+
To: Participating Contractors, Clean Energy Hubs
Summary: EmPower+ Program Heat Pump Rules Changes and Updated Test Out Form
Questions: Please Contact Contractor Support at 1-800-284-9069

Additional Incentive ending November 1, 2024

On November 1, 2024, the $5,000 additional heat pump incentive will no longer be available. Projects must be submitted to the workflow submission step in NYHEP by October 31, 2024, to be eligible for this incentive. Projects submitted after October 31st will still be eligible for EmPower+ and additional IRA HEAR funding.

Change to the Acknowledgement Form Heat Pump Installation

NYSERDA has made edits to the Acknowledgement Form Heat Pump Installation, found in Section 8 of the Program Manual,  to clarify what utility incentives are not available for EmPower+ projects. Contractors should use this version of the form moving forward.

Heat Pump Commissioning Checklist

If a manufacturer’s commissioning checklist is not available for the equipment being installed, a contractor may use the NYS Clean Heat ASHP Commissioning Checklist when submitting documents to final project submission.

Updated Test Out Form

Updates to the test-out form are now live in NYHEP, which include IRA incentive estimates and utility bill savings estimates

If there are any questions, please contact Contractor Support at 1-800-284-9069.