Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Dutchess/Columbia) wrote a letter to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to express her concerns with proposed changes to the EmPower+ Program. This program, administered by NYSERDA, helps low and moderate-income New Yorkers make energy-efficient home improvements, like installing heat pumps and insulation. At today’s Stakeholder Conference, changes to the program were proposed that could reduce the maximum benefit for participants in Upstate New York, and require moderate income customers to match 50% of the project costs.

“The Empower+ Program has been a win-win for New York – decarbonizing our building stock while creating good paying jobs and supporting small businesses throughout the state,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “I continue to support the Empower+ Program, and urge NYSERDA to ensure this program remains viable, accessible and adequately funded.”