GENERAL

What is EnergyFit NYC?

EnergyFit NYC is a Brooklyn based home repair, energy efficiency, and electrification-readiness demonstration project designed to help low- and moderate-income homeowners of 2- and 3- unit buildings improve their home and access the benefits of clean energy. Owners who qualify receive free health and safety repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and electric induction stoves in their building in return for having their energy use monitored over the course of the following year and completing biannual surveys.

Why is EnergyFit NYC a demonstration project?

Current government programs designed to subsidize the improvement of home energy efficiency for building with less than five units have seen poor uptake in part due to program design flaws. EnergyFit aims to demonstrate improved program design by capturing the true costs of retrofitting 2- and 3- family homes in Central and Eastern Brooklyn. Existing retrofit program subsidies fall short of the cost to retrofit homes thereby leaving many homeowners without the necessary funding to implement these projects.

Why are you collecting energy use data?

We are collecting energy use data to measure the energy and cost savings that result from the upgrades made through the program. The findings will be used to advocate for programs that are easier to use and cover the true cost of energy upgrades for small homes in NYC for greater efficiency and savings.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program goes through an eligibility/assessment phase and a construction phase. The eligibility phase may take a few months based on contractor and homeowner availability for doing the home assessments and health and safety testing. The construction phase takes between 2-5 days based on project complexity.

Is this program going to retrofit the whole house?

You can read more about the different retrofit measures covered under EnergyFit in the table below. Based on the cost of installing each package, your home will be offered one of the following

PACKAGE COMPONENTS

Will there be someone to help me go through the EnergyFit process?

Depending on your zip code, a housing counselor from either IMPACCT Brooklyn, or Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation will work with you through every step of the EnergyFit process.

What are the benefits for homeowners?

The EnergyFit program impacts your health, safety and comfort in the following ways:

• Switch from gas to electric induction stoves can improve indoor air quality, lower asthma rates
• Switching from gas to electric water heating can eliminate hazardous  gas leaks and other indoor air quality issues
• Air sealing and improved insulation can fix draftiness and increase the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, saving you money
• Possibly increase the value of your home
• Your home will be better prepared for transitioning off gas as
• Your energy bill may decrease

Are there any restrictions on what I can do with my home after the program is completed?

• You must agree to participate in energy use monitoring for one year after completion of the retrofit.
• You are not allowed to implement any major changes to the building except in case of emergency for one year.

ELIGIBILITY

Are there requirements after receiving the retrofit and electrification grant?

• You’ll allow Pratt Center to collect you energy data for a year after the alterations to track if there are improvements in efficiency and or cost savings.
• You’ll participate in a survey about your experiences one year after the alterations

How do I know if I qualify?

You may be eligible if:

• You own and live in a 2- or 3- unit building in Central or Eastern Brooklyn;
• You are a natural gas or oil customer
• Your household income is below 130% of the Area Median Income for your family size

If I accept improvements from EnergyFit, are you going to put a lien on my home? Am I required to pay the program back if I move or my income changes?

No—there is no cost or future obligation when you participate in EnergyFit, beyond providing us with access to your utility data for one year after receiving the repairs and retrofit.

Is this program available to all New York City residents?

This program is available for owner occupied residences within zip codes: 11205, 11206, 11207, 11208, 11212, 11213, 11216, 11217, 11221, 11225, 11238, 11233

If I am not the owner of my building, can I still apply?

If the owner lives in the building, tenants may work with their landlord to participate in the program.

COST & FINANCING

Is EnergyFit really free?

Apart from a $50 enrollment fee, there are no additional program costs. The owner will receive between $20,000 and $25,000 in improvements.

Who pays for the energy services delivered through EnergyFit NYC?

EnergyFit NYC is made possible by JPMorgan Chase, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Project Funding Grant awarded by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Wells Fargo, and the 11th Hour Project/Schmidt Family Foundation.

Homeowners will be required to apply to NYSERDA’s Empower+ program in order for the project to leverage any available incentives that will help the project pay for the EnergyFit package. The Energy Counselor will support you in the submission of the application.

Will this program help save me money?

Depending on the package of measures completed in your home, utility bill savings are possible. However, we cannot guarantee this due to the nature of EnergyFit being a demonstration project.

CONSTRUCTION

Who will do the work in my home? Are they licensed?

New York State Energy Audits (NYSEA) is a licensed and fully insured insulation contractor, mold certified, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified GOLD, and a Building Performance Institute (BPI) contractor. NYSEA has been named Contractor of the Year by Empower three times, and has received the Century Club Award from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) six times. They have also received numerous awards from community-based organizations.

Can a homeowner choose their own contractor, architect or other third parties?

Vetted and qualified licensed contractors and vendors have been selected to perform EnergyFit projects. These contractors are the only contractors allowed to perform work as a part of the EnergyFit program, and can only perform the work within the scope of the EnergyFit program.

What if there’s a problem with the construction after the project is complete?

Contractors will provide participants with any relevant warranty information related to construction. The homeowner should contact the general contractor directly if any warranty matters arise.

Can the EnergyFit NYC contractor fix other problems for me outside of the scope of the retrofit?

No, EnergyFit Contractors will only implement a predefined set of health and safety repairs and energy retrofit measures.

Will my household or my tenants have to relocate during the repair process?

None of the assessments or measures taken during this process require residents to leave the building. The owner or their representative will need to be present on days when contractors are working in the building. Contractors may need to make between three and five visits, and in some cases more depending on the necessary repairs and the measure decided on by the owner.