Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Household Applicance Grants Available for Storm Victims

Cuomo Announces $8 Million Program Targeted to Assist Those Impacted by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee

An $8 million appliance grant program has been launched for those who sustained property damage as a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The program will help New Yorkers cover the costs of replacing vital household appliances, such as refrigerators, boilers washing machines and furnaces, damaged by the recent flooding.

Grants will be a fixed amount for different appliances and could cover up to 100 percent of the costs of a purchase. If the cost of the appliance exceeds the cap, the program will pay a portion of the total costs up to the cap.


"Our top priority is making sure those affected by these storms have the help they need to recover," Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

"This program will cover the costs for critical household appliances and help New Yorkers who suffered property damage to save money as they rebuild after the storms."


The program will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Grants will be available for the most critical energy efficient equipment and appliances.

Residents statewide in affected areas will be eligible and must affirm that they have been impacted by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee and that these products are not covered by insurance or FEMA assistance. For residents affected by Hurricane Irene, grants on purchases of approved appliances and equipment will be retroactive to Aug. 29, 2011, and for residents affected by Tropical Storm Lee, grants will be retroactive to Sept. 9, 2011.

Grants will be for ENERGY STAR© qualified appliances and equipment where applicable. In product categories for which there are no ENERGY STAR criteria, the higher efficiency units will be eligible for a rebate.

A list of eligible equipment and appliances and rebate levels is as follows:

    Eligible Equipment & Appliances
    Rebate
    Refrigerators (ENERGY STAR)
    $350
    Clothes Washers (ENERGY STAR)
    $250
    Clothes Dryers w/Moisture Sensor (higher efficiency)
    $250
    Dehumidifiers (ENERGY STAR)
    $100
    Furnace (ENERGY STAR)
    $2,000
    Boiler (ENERGY STAR)
    $2,500
    Hot Water Heater Tanks (electric- higher efficiency; gas- ENERGY STAR)
    $400

Purchases of appliances and equipment, with the exception of dehumidifiers, must be for replacement purposes only and purchases covered by insurance or FEMA are not eligible. Audits to verify insurance claims and/or FEMA assistance may be conducted.

All grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for completed applications, which will be available beginning Monday, September 19 at
www.NYSApplianceRebates.com or by calling 1-877-NY-SMART (877-697-6278). The grant program will continue until funding runs out.

Senator Tom Libous said, "We need to help the flood victims in our community get back on their feet. Part of that is helping replace equipment that's essential to their home and businesses. This program is another step toward easing the burden of this disaster and rebuilding our community."

"As we move from the cleanup efforts to the rebuilding phase after the recent storm destruction, this rebate program will allow households to afford the costs of replacing damaged appliances. Governor Cuomo has repeatedly said that the state will do all it can to help those affected by Irene recover, and I commend him for establishing this program that will help families return to normal living after this storm," stated Senator Betty Little.

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