Programs and Incentives
Supplemental Funding Types for Campus Decarbonization
As your institution begins to plan and implement decarbonization measures, you’ll want to investigate all avenues for funding.. From state and federal programs to utility-offered incentives, it’s important to understand what’s available, and how to best position your institution to make smart use of whatever options you choose.
New York State Programs and Incentives
New York State offers a variety of programs and incentives for decarbonization. State funding is provided through a number of different avenues, such as tax credits, utility rebates, NYPA assistance, and NYSERDA Program Opportunity Notices (PONs). These funding programs can cover anything from equipment reimbursement to planning services.
New York State Opportunities
New York Power Authority (NYPA)
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) 
funds energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for public universities throughout New York State. NYPA provides a variety of energy services, including advisement, financing, and renewable energy programs .
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers several programs to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reduction across New York State. NYSERDA works with residents, businesses, local governments, and universities, among others. Programs include:
- Charge Ready NY 2.0- Incentives to install Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces, multi-unit dwellings, or public facilities.
- Flexible Technical Assistance (FlexTech) Program- Cost-share support to complete an energy study that identifies and evaluates energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades.
- NY-Sun- Incentives, financing, and information for installing on-site solar or tapping into community solar projects.
- On-site Energy Manager- Cost-share support to hire a dedicated full- or part-time on-site energy manager for educational institutions.
Utility Programs and Incentives
In addition to the state-funded programs above, New Yorkers also have incentives available through utilities. The Joint Utilities of New York is comprised of Con Edison, Orange & Rockland, NYSEG, National Grid, PSEG Long Island, Rochester Gas & Electric, and Central Hudson. These utilities provide rebate incentives for facility upgrades, making it simpler and more cost-effective to electrify and decarbonize. Details on their programs can be accessed by reaching out to your local utility.
Utility Opportunities
EV Make-Ready Program
The Joint Utilities of New York’s EV Make-Ready Program provides substantial incentives for installing Level 2 or Level 3 chargers. The incentive level varies by location and availability of the chargers to the public. It should be noted that each utility company will have their own portal for this, but all have a similar procedure to follow. In addition to this program, there are also other charging station programs.
NYS Clean Heat Program
The NYS Clean Heat Program provides funding to install air-source heat pumps (ASHPs), ground-source heat pumps (GSHP), and heat pump water heaters (HPWH). Incentives are paid out through utility companies and are based on the equipment capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h). Incentive values can vary between utility companies.
Federal Tax Credits
On top of the state and utility-funded programs and incentives, there are also options at the federal level. Federal tax credits are available through the Inflation Reduction Act and also through the ENERGY STAR® program.
Federal Opportunities
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
Multiple tax credits are available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for various energy and decarbonization projects. The following provides a short description of some example credits and eligibility requirements. Credit requirements and availability are subject to change.
- Section 45 and 45Y. A tax credit that awards incentives based on the onsite production of a solar array. Tax-exempt organizations can receive this credit through direct pay.
- Section 48. A tax credit that awards partial funding for a solar system installed on site, provided the array is under 1 MW.
- Section 48E. A tax credit that awards partial funding for an energy storage system installed on site, provided the capacity is under 1 MW.
- Section 30C. A tax credit that awards partial funding for an electric vehicle charger installed on site.
- Section 30D. A tax credit that awards credit for each new clean energy vehicle placed into service by the organization.
- Section 179D. A tax credit deduction that allows building owners to claim a tax deduction for certain energy efficiency improvement projects. This credit can be claimed for lighting, envelope improvements, and HVAC. While 179D has historically focused on efficient design of new buildings and major renovations, there is also a performance-based retrofit pathway available.
- Section 6417. A tax section that declares that tax-exempt status facilities are eligible to receive tax credits in the form of “direct pay” which treats applicable tax credits as payments rather than refunds.
A summary of available incentives can be found at the NYS Guide to IRA Savings. Please note that the deadline for many tax credits has recently changed. Be sure to plan accordingly to ensure you implement your upgrades before the deadline.
ENERGY STAR®
ENERGY STAR® -certified products qualify for a cash rebate for replacing equipment with a more energy efficient model. Incentives can come in the form of point-of-sale discounts (savings immediately on purchase), rebates, and tax credits.
Connect With Us
Discover how to achieve large energy and carbon reductions across your campus.
Get In Touch