The municipal subdivision of the State of New York, known as Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is the electricity provider for most of Long Island that also oversees PSEG. LIPA selected Public Service Enterprise Group of New Jersey to take over management & operations of the electric grid from the National Grid on December 15, 2011 which finally came into force in January 2014. The State Legislature on July 29, 2013 passed a law transferring most of LIPA’s operations to PSEG which owns and operates New Jersey’s oldest and largest electric and gas utility (PSE&G).

PSGL LI is a private utility company that is selected pursuant to competitive bid to take over management of LIPA’s electric system. Striving for a more sustainable future, PSEG LI provides various rebate programs. Compliance is further rewarded with government incentives to encourage energy efficient practices. PSGL LI (2014) holds authority over day-to-day operations, budgeting, system maintenance and operation, storm preparedness and response, infrastructure improvements, energy efficiency and renewable programs. It revolves around reducing peak electric usage, deferring the cost of building new power plants, increasing savings and facilitating business growth.

PSEG Long Island’s Commercial Efficiency Programs (CEP) provides rebates, incentives, and assistance to help Long Island businesses, schools, and municipal agencies improve their energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. The CEP includes Commercial Efficiency Rebate Program, Energy Assessment Program, Technical Assistance Program and Small Business Direct Install Program. The fundamental goal of PSEG-LI rebate programs is to provide lowest cost solutions, because development costs are generally high in Long Island – location-specific electric and gas interconnection costs can be significant.

 

CEP rebates are available for all businesses, schools and municipal agencies for both existing and new facilities for measures like HVAC, lighting, chillers, compressors and air dryers, cool roof, kitchen equipment and vending machines, refrigeration equipment, and variable frequency drives. Meanwhile, custom rebates can be calculated for any measure saving energy.

New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a NY state public-benefit organization that offers information and analysis, programs, technical expertise, and funding aimed at helping New Yorkers maximize on energy efficiency while saving money. Its new mission ensures all New Yorkers have access to clean energy, including those thriving communities, as New York is a global climate leader. To avail benefits offered by various programs run by NYSERDA, the applicant must oblige by all stages of the application process which start with submitting Project Contacts, Site Information, Equipment Information, Installation Status, Charging Station Equipment, Project Documents and Application Review. After NYSERDA reviewed and approved the application, the application status will become “Under Review”, following which the applicant will be guided thereon.

 

NYSERDA has judiciously released incentive programs that are meant to be COVID-19 assistance programs; “typically, the low to moderate income customer went up to 80% of a median income…” as claimed by Halco CEO, Hal Smith. The same COVID-19 benefits were extended to customers who were between 80-120% of the median income.

Customers are also provided with low interest financing (3.49 unsecured financing up to 15 years) amounting to $25,000 which gets taken care of by savings generated on the utility bills. Provisions like “companion loans” are also offered for geo-thermal & solar projects that provide additional loans up to $25,000 on loans previously taken. Moreover, there are plenty of heat pump rebates available through all of the local utility companies.

Rebates are essentially allocation of money. Provisions like PSEG & NYSERDA offer abundant funds to assist customers towards achieving the common goal of energy efficiency, which aims to address the larger issue of climate crisis.