Hochul: $10 million commercial and industrial accelerated efficiency program to reduce fossil fuel consumption

Up to $5 million per project now available for eligible projects proposed to be completed and operational by 2025

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the $10 million commercial and industrial accelerated efficiency program. This program assists large energy-intensive entities in their efforts to reduce on-site consumption of fossil fuels through energy efficiency and electrification actions. This program will provide up to $5 million per project that is proposed to be completed and operational by 2025.

Hochul’s team said, “Today's announcement helps advance the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050 and ensure at least 35%, with a goal of 40%, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities.

"Through this new initiative, we are providing the commercial and industrial sectors of New York's economy with critical incentives to implement projects that reduce their carbon footprint and help meet our ambitious climate goals," Hochul said. "I am heartened by the increasing number of companies that are seeking ways to advance our work in creating more resilient communities, especially those historically left behind, as we continue to bring meaningful health and economic benefits to all New Yorkers as part of our expanding green economy."

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen Harris said, "Launching this new program demonstrates NYSERDA's commitment to investing in partnerships that help to make some of New York's largest energy users cleaner and more efficient. The commitments to energy efficiency and reducing on-site emissions from these operations will reduce pollution in our communities, pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future, and serve as an example of climate action for other large energy users."

The program is designed to reduce emissions from operations in difficult-to-decarbonize and energy-intensive sectors, and eliminate harmful co-pollutants in the communities of operation. NYSERDA scoring criteria gives preference for greenhouse gas emission reductions that occur in designated disadvantaged communities and deliver benefits in such communities.

The program is open to key manufacturing industries and commercial campus settings such as: paper; petroleum; primary metals; nonmetallic minerals; chemicals; food; fabricated metal products; transportation equipment; computers and electronics; college and university campuses; and health care facility campuses. Support operations such as warehousing and distribution sites, mining and extraction, as well as water and wastewater, are also eligible. For additional qualification requirements, visit NYSERDA's website.

A press release stated, “The program is open to commercial building owners whose energy expenditures are at least $1 million annually, and industrial companies who spend at least $500,000 on energy annually. Additionally, proposers will be required to identify an energy-saving goal and projects they will complete to meet that target. Awards will range from $500,000 to $5 million. Selection will be based on ranked scores that prioritize large thermal energy savings, emissions savings, cost effectiveness, peak load reduction, and accelerated installations. Projects must use commercially available technology and be installed within a two-year period.

Examples of eligible measures include:

√ Energy-efficiency improvements

√ Process-efficiency improvements

√ Energy/ heat recovery

√ Ground-source and air-source heat pumps

√ Electrification of thermal loads

√ Energy management systems and controls

√ Operations and maintenance improvements

Applications are due by 3 p.m. Aug. 31. More information about the program is available on NYSERDA's website.

Funding for this initiative is through the state's 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund. More information about this funding is available on NYSERDA's website.