2016 LIFE Statewide Conference

The LIFE 2016 Conference was held on May 25th and May 26th, 2016 in Albany, NY. Attendees were updated on assistance programs, low-income energy policy, consumer protections, education and advocacy, best practices, and information on emerging energy issues in interactive and innovative sessions.

• 2016 LIFE Statewide Conference Program [PDF]
• 2016 LIFE Statewide Conference Attendee Directory [PDF]

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Welcome and Introduction
9:00am – 9:45am

Remarks:

• Richard L. Kauffman, Chairman of Energy and Finance for New York, Office of NY Gov.
• Michael Corso, Chief Consumer Advocate, Office of Consumer Services

Plenary Session 1
Reforming the Energy Vision: New York State Energy Policy and Implications for Low and Moderate Income Consumers
9:45 am – 10:45 am

Under Governor Cuomo’s “Reforming the Energy Vision” (REV) strategy, New York is actively spurring clean energy innovation, bringing new investments into the State and improving consumer choice and affordability. REV is advancing fundamental regulatory changes that promote more efficient use of energy, deeper penetration of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar, and wider deployment of “distributed” energy resources, such as microgrids, roof-top solar and other on-site power supplies, and storage. REV will also promote markets to drive achieve greater use of advanced energy management products to enhance demand elasticity and efficiencies. These changes, in turn, will empower customers by allowing them more choice in how they manage and consume electric energy. One of the guiding principles of REV is to ensure that low- and moderate-income communities and consumers fully share in the clean energy benefits that it generates. This panel presentation will provide an overview of REV and its primary components including the Clean Energy Fund and the Clean Energy Standard, including the origins, timelines, and expected benefits of the initiatives. Hear from the principals on how these transformative efforts will impact low- and moderate-income energy customers.

Moderator
Christopher Coll, NYSERDA

Presenters

• John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
• Scott Weiner, Deputy, Office of Markets and Innovation, NYS Department of Public Service
• Greg Hale, Senior Advisor to the Chairman of Energy and Finance, Office of NY Gov.

Session 1
11:00am – 12:00pm

A. Innovative Solutions to Meeting the Energy Needs of Low and Moderate Income Energy Consumers: Financing and Third Party Capital

Upfront costs have been identified as the primary barrier that prevents many of the nearly 3 million low and moderate income (LMI) households in New York from enjoying the benefits of clean energy improvements, including energy efficiency upgrades and on-site generation. While publicly subsidized energy efficiency and weatherization programs can provide no-cost upgrades for income eligible consumers, these programs often face budget constraints and high demand, allowing a fraction of eligible consumers to receive service on an annual basis. Compounding matters, many LMI customers interested in financing energy upgrades face barriers to securing affordable financing options due to income or credit concerns. This presentation will explore innovative finance solutions to offset first cost and credit issues for LMI consumers and rapidly scale the adoption of clean energy for New Yorkers of all income levels.

Moderator
Christopher Coll, NYSERDA

Presenters
Michael Friedlander, NY Green Bank,
John Joshi, NYSERDA Stegemoeller, NYS Department of Public Service [PDF]

B. Unleashing the Power of Tenants: A Discussion about Tenant Engagement

This workshop aims to bring together tenant advocacy groups, program administrators, the real estate industry, contractors, and others that serve or work with tenants. Engaging directly with tenants is a relatively unexplored area, and the time to acknowledge and leverage the role tenants play in building performance is overdue. This workshop will focus on a set of questions (examples provided below) that all participants will explore in a discussion-oriented format. All participants and all ideas are welcome.

• What power do tenants have in determining building operations in a rental building?
• How do tenants effectively enact change in building operations and management, and what is the most realistic route?
• What issues do tenants care about most/what issues do tenants act on?
• Do tenants recognize the relationship between health and the environment they live in?

Moderator
Debora Moran, NYSERDA

Presenter
Michael Colgrove, NYSERDA [PDF]     
Menachem Katz, NYSERDA

C. National Grid’s Fruit Belt Project

The Fruit Belt Neighborhood Solar REV Demonstration Project seeks to engage and benefit a largely low- to moderate-income (LMI) neighborhood within the City of Buffalo through the installation of 100 utility-owned, residential solar photovoltaic systems and the provision of energy efficiency services to a subset of homes. The energy produced by the solar PV systems will be captured in front of the utility meter, aggregated collectively, and monetized. The resulting revenue, in its entirety, will then be redistributed equally among a larger group of neighborhood residential electric accounts. As a result, neighborhood residents will see a very tangible reduction in their overall energy bills as a direct result of the Demonstration. The Demonstration will also promote the integration of renewable energy and energy efficiency to further reduce energy costs of low- to moderate-income consumers and will test the impact on the ability of payment troubled customers to pay their energy bills. certification and inspections, conflicts of interest, contracts with homeowners, deferral policies, and more. An update on HCR initiatives on fuel conversion and renewables will also be provided.

Moderator
Kate Granger, National Grid

Presenter
Laura Tadevossian, National Grid
Paul Tyno, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
David Friello, NYSERDA

D. Update on ESCOs

In February 2016, the NYS Public Service Commission took action to immediately address unfair business practices found in the retail energy market to ensure residential and small non-residential (mass market) customers are receiving value from energy service companies (ESCOs). Case 15-M-0127 prohibits ESCOs from entering into new ESCO contracts with mass market customers unless they provide guaranteed cost savings, or provide at least 30% renewable energy. The February Order also strengthens the process for revoking an ESCO’s eligibility to do business in New York if it is found to be in violation of State regulations. This session will cover all the important aspects of this proceeding and the Commission’s continued review of services that may benefit energy consumers.

Moderator
Monica Ferreri, NYS Department of Public Service

Presenter
Christine Bosy, NYS Department of Public Service [PDF]

E. Demystifying Electricity Bills and Markets

This session provides a breakdown and explanation of the components of an electric utility bill and introduces the audience to the New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) role in managing the flow of electricity across New York State–from the power producers who generate it to the local utilities that deliver it to residents and businesses. How are supply charges determined? How are delivery charges determined? What makes up the System Benefits Charge/Renewable Portfolio Standard charges? What fees and surcharges are included? Learn about New York’s wholesale electricity markets, including trends in wholesale energy costs over the past 15 years, New York’s fuel mix, and the reliability of its markets. Get an introduction to the NYISO, including the different markets and services it provides and the improved efficiency and environmental benefits since its operation.

Moderator
Sue Montgomery Corey, Community Power Network of NYS

Presenter
Tariq Niazi, NYISO  [PDF]
Chelsea Kruger NYS Department of Public Service [PDF]

F. What is an Energy Audit?

A comprehensive energy audit is the first step in determining the energy savings potential of a home. The scope of work developed by the auditor is based on a variety of factors and data collected from the field. This presentation will provide a hands-on look at the process and procedures an auditor goes through while performing a typical residential inspection. Different housing types have their own specific needs and these, along with have their own specific needs and these, along with diagnostic tools regularly used in the field, will be explored.

Moderator
Vicki Collelo, NYSERDA

Presenter
Andy Stone, NYS Weatherization Directors’ Association [PDF]

Conference Luncheon / Remarks and Presentation of the LIFE Achievement Awards
12:00pm – 1:30pm

While LIFE serves as a forum to discuss issues and exchange information relevant to low-income energy consumers, the individuals at the state, county, and local levels perform an instrumental role in this effort by bringing this information to the communities and individuals in need. As part of the 2016 LIFE Statewide Conference, we honor those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in addressing the issue of energy affordability for low-income New Yorkers. These “unsung heroes” play an essential role through education and outreach efforts aimed at helping low-income consumers address their energy challenges.

Presenter
Michael Corso, Chief Consumer Advocate, NYS Office of Consumer Services

Awardees
Allan Bressett, PEACE, Inc., 2016
Patricia Fayo, United Way of the Dutchess Orange Region, 2016
Susan West, PSEG Long Island, 2016

Plenary Session 2: Lifting the High Energy Burden in America’s Largest Cities: How Energy Efficiency Can Improve Low-Income and Underserved Communities
1:45pm – 2:45pm

A newly published report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy discusses the relationship between energy burden and energy efficiency in improving quality of life in low-income and underserved communities. Energy burden is the percentage of household income spent on home energy bills. The report measures the energy burden of households in 48 of the largest American cities and finds that low-income, African-American, Latino, low-income multifamily, and renter households all spend a greater proportion of their income on utilities than the average family. Energy efficiency is identified as an underutilized strategy that can help reduce high energy burdens by as much as 30%. In this plenary presentation, members of the research and advising teams describe policies and programs that ramp up energy efficiency investments in low-income and underserved communities. Specific attention will be paid to the potential within New York State.

Moderator
Christopher Coll, NYSERDA.

Presenters
Ariel Drehobl, American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy [PDF]
Valerie Strauss, Association for Energy Affordability

Session 2
3:15pm – 4:15pm

A. NYS Public Service Commission Affordability Proceeding

In 2015, the NYS Public Service Commission opened Case 14-M-0565, a proceeding to examine New York’s utility low-income programs. Staff conducted the examination in conjunction with the utilities and low-income consumer advocates. Last June, Staff filed a Report on the results of its examination, including a Straw Proposal for a new statewide approach to low-income programs, and interested parties have provided extensive comments on the Staff Report. In this session, you can learn what to expect from the Commission’s new regulatory policies for addressing low-income customer needs, including eligibility, enrollment processes, benefit structures, rate discount levels, budgeting, treatment of participant arrears, and reconnection fees.

Moderator
Sharlene Marcano, NYS Department of Public Service

Presenter
Martin Insogna, NYS Department of Public Service [PDF]

B. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Impact Grants

This session will be an overview of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s competitive grant opportunity to fund projects that address environmental justice communities’ exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks in New York. Attendees will learn about the steps for applying, eligibility criteria, eligible project costs, sample projects, and secrets to scoring high in order to be chosen to receive grant funds.

Moderator
Donna Boyce, Solix, Inc

Presenter
Lisa King DeJesus, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation [PDF]

 C. Low-Income Energy Policy and Programs: Perspectives from Erie County

The energy landscape in New York State is shifting, presenting new challenges and opportunities for residents. With one of the more diverse populations in the State, Erie County offers a platform to explore new approaches to increasing energy affordability and reducing social vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. This presentation will provide you with an overview of the opportunities that Erie County is exploring to reduce energy insecurity, improve health outcomes, and increase economic development through interdepartmental collaboration, enhanced services, and utilization of data analytics to make policy and program decisions.

Moderator
Jessica Waldorf, NYSERDA

Presenter
Eric Walker, Erie County Department of Public Works [PDF]

D. Home Energy Fair Practices Act and Negotiating a Deferred Payment Agreement

Enacted in 1981, the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (“HEFPA”) established a comprehensive set of statutory rights and protections for most residential electric and gas customers. This session will provide an in-depth review of these consumer protections which are commonly referred to as utility service bill of rights, including how utilities are required to provide a written offer of a deferred payment agreement (DPA) to a customer with outstanding arrears for residential service before terminating an account, denying an application for service, or refusing to reconnect service.

Moderator
Tanya Brothers, HeartShare Human Services of New York

Presenters
Lisabeth Jorgensen, Public Utility Law Project of New York [PDF]

E. Best Practices for Outreach: National Energy Foundation Community in Action Workshops

In this session, representatives from the National Energy Foundation (NEF) will provide a hands-on demonstration of how NEF’s Community in Action workshops are run. Community in Action is a community-based adult energy efficiency educational opportunity, held in schools and community centers, for people in low-income communities. During an hour-long “Community in Action” forum, attendees learn about behavioral changes and technologies that help save energy and money, and ways to make their homes more energy-effi­cient. Attendees receive a free, take-home, energy-efficiency kit including energy efficiency measures such as LEDs or aerators. At the workshops, NEF presenters provide fun, interactive instruction regarding energy, focusing on what homeowners can do to use energy more wisely in their homes and the school or community group where the forum is held receives an incentive for hosting the forum.

Moderator
Debora Moran, NYSERDA

Presenter
Gary Swan, National Energy Foundation
Kelly Flowers, National Energy Foundation [PDF]

F. Heating 101

Heating systems in residential housing are complex machines and their proper function could mean the difference between life and death for our low-income constituents. In this session, attendees will learn about typical types of heating plants and we will unravel the mystery of that big noisy box in the basement. This session will be valuable to HEAP certifiers and other non-technical personnel who are interested in learning the basics of how heating systems work, what a cracked heat exchanger is, what constitutes a proper install, and how to work with subcontractors in negotiating the right work to be performed.

Moderator
Patricia Fayo, United Way of the Dutchess Orange Region

Presenter
Andy Stone, NYS Weatherization Directors Association [PDF]

Session 3
4:15pm – 5:15pm

A. Innovative Resources That Can Facilitate Energy Upgrades: CivicPACE and the NYC Retrofit Accelerator

Energy costs can be disproportionately high for nonprofits and affordable housing owners who must balance operating needs with their mission to provide crucial services. Reducing energy costs and consumption make good financial sense for these property owners, however it can be difficult to access upfront capital or to identify where to start. Pairing Energize NY PACE capital with available NYS financial incentives can provide nonprofits and affordable housing with the package they need to improve their properties and reduce energy costs, allowing avoided energy expenditures to be reinvested in their mission while fostering public welfare and a high quality of life. The NYC Retrofit Accelerator is a free one-stop resource for building owners which provides technical assistance to help reduce operating costs and increase sustainability of their properties through energy and water upgrades.

Moderator
Monica Ferreri, NYS Department of Public Service

Presenters
Mark Thielking, Energy Improvement Corporation
Daphany Sanchez, NYC Retrofit Accelerator [PDF]

B. NY-Sun and Affordable Solar

In October 2015, NY-Sun launched Affordable Solar to expand solar energy access to households most in need of the electricity cost reductions that solar provides. Affordable Solar doubles NYSERDA incentives for residential solar projects for households earning 80% or less than the area median income. This workshop will focus on the details of Affordable Solar, including program requirements and the application process. Strategies for integrating Affordable Solar with existing community and regional goals to reduce energy burden will be discussed. The presentation will also provide an update on the recent rollout of Community Distributed Generation by the NYS Public Service Commission, which is expected to reduce many of the barriers to solar participation for low-income households and renters through “shared solar.”

commissions in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and other states. How have low-income communities fared in these markets? How should regulators “regulate” this competitive market?

Moderator
Vicki Collelo, NYSERDA

Presenters
Michelle Andry, NYSERDA [PDF]

C. Healthy Homes Initiatives

This session will provide an overview of the intersection between health and residential energy efficiency, providing examples of innovative pilot programs seeking to address the dual burdens of energy affordability and negative health impacts of substandard housing. The challenges and successes of implementing a healthy homes program will be discussed in light of a pilot effort being undertaken in Buffalo, New York.

Moderator
Mishel Filisha, NYSERDA

Presenter
Brian Paterson, New Buffalo Impact, Inc. [PDF]
Rebecca Hughes, NYSERDA

D. Developments in Submetering Laws

The session will focus on New York’s sub-metering laws and policy, and its impact on tenants. The talk will briefly mention the City of New York’s mandatory non-residential sub-metering law – Local Law 88 – and the theory behind why Local Law 88 was passed. It will also include (1) the policy behind NYSERDA’s and DHCR’s promotion of sub-metering through subsidies, and (2) the reason why DHCR’s rent reduction guidelines for landlords need to be revisited and why audits must be performed after the sub-metering plan has been put into effect.

Moderator
Sue Montgomery Corey, Community Power Network of NYS

Presenters
Richard Berkley, Public Utility Law Project of New York [PDF]

E. Best Practices for Low-Income Energy Program Oversight and Management

Low-income energy programs involve complex coordination of people, processes, and technologies. From outreach through implementa­tion, each program has unique considerations that must be synchronized for smooth and effective functioning. This session will examine best practices for low-income energy program oversight and management from three different organizations that have varied experience in facilitating and supporting successful programs.

Moderators
Lori Clark, NYSERDA

Presenter
Donna Boyce, Solix [PDF]
Nathan Yehle, Honeywell  [PDF]
Kyle Haddock, CLEAResult

F. Electronic Energy Audit Tools, Features, and Field Experience

Participants will learn about a U.S. Department of Energy certified energy audit application that enables managers to administer weatherization assistance programs more efficiently, accurately, and cost-effectively to ensure occupant comfort, health, and safety. Learn about a tool that enables professionals to perform comprehensive whole-building assessments quickly, prescribe and prioritize improvement solutions based on building science, and eliminate the need to perform manual data aggregation.

Moderators
Sherri Calabrese, NYSERDA

Presenter
Dan Chartier, Hancock Software [PDF]

Thursday, May 29, 2016

Session 4
9:00am – 10:00am

A. Recap of Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Activities from 2015-2016

With the heating season finally behind us, we will take a look back at the activities of New York’s key energy assistance and energy efficiency initiatives during the 2015-2016 program years. This session will provide updates on the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and the EmPower New York Program. Attendees will also be presented with an overview on the statewide subscription of utility low-income programs. In addition, presenters will discuss their expectations for program activity for the next program year.

Moderator
Christopher Coll, NYSERDA

Presenter
Andrew Bryk, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance [PDF]
Tom Carey, NYS Homes and Community Renewal
Christopher Coll, NYSERDA
Leonard Silverstein, NYS Department of Public Service [PDF]

B. Creating the Next Generation of Affordable Housing

Learn about New York’s next generation of multifamily housing. New York State is launching an initiative to create a large private sector-driven deep energy retrofit market for multifamily buildings. It will transform the State’s existing housing stock into next generation buildings, beginning with the affordable housing sector. Transition Zero, a design-build competition, was announced in Governor Cuomo’s 2016 State of the State Policy Book as part of an objective to bring deep energy retrofits to at least 100,000 affordable housing units by 2025, and is subject to formal approval by the New York State Department of Public Service.

Moderator
Virginia Walsh, Honeywell Utility Solutions

Presenter
Loic Chappoz, NYSERDA [PDF]     
Greg Hale, Senior Advisor to the Chairman of Energy and Finance, Office of NY Gov.

C. Utility Low-Income Programs Roundtable

Utilities have a long history of providing energy assistance to their low-income customers – from budget billing to efficiency programs. The utilities roundtable will provide a forum for discussion on the most recent updates to utility low-income energy efficiency and payment assistance programs currently being administered in New York State. Attendees are provided the opportunity for individualized engagement with their representative utility provider.

Moderator
Tanya Brothers, HeartShare Human Services of New York

Presenter
Nancy Campo, PSEG Long Island
Paula Coppin, Central Hudson
Ken Gossel, National Fuel Gas
Kevin Graham, NYSEG/RGE
Tineesha McMullen, Orange and Rockland
Dave Nelson, ConEdison
Lateise Spivey, NYSEG/RGE
Jackie Sykas, NYSEG/RGE
JoAnn Zales, National Grid

D. Emergency Assistance Benefits Available through Local Departments of Social Services

Assisting low-income New Yorkers in finding all of the resources available to them is an essential part of what those in the human service field provide. This session will help attendees navigate that process by providing an overview of emergency and energy assistance benefits available to low-income households through their local Departments of Social Services and discuss advocating for clients to receive the full benefits to which they are entitled.

Moderator
Lori Clark, NYSERDA

Presenter
Saima Akhtar, Empire Justice Center [PDF]
Ray Burke, Empire Justice Center

E. Innovative Approaches to Customer Outreach from RUPCO and National Grid

Innovative approaches to customer outreach can be applied across regions and shared among various populations to benefit those communities most in need of services. Learn best practices from two successful efforts that serve low-income New Yorkers in new and tailored ways. RUPCO’s multifaceted outreach efforts for staying connected with the Hispanic community include partnerships with key media outlets and coalition building throughout Ulster County. National Grid Consumer Advocacy’s newest initiative, the Customer Assistance Expo, is an outreach effort based on the concept that life can be hard but finding assistance should not be. Learn how, via the Expo concept, National Grid is able to partner with community and governmental agencies to provide low-income customers with a way to connect with resources they need, all under one roof in one day.

Moderator
Lori Clark, NYSERDA

Presenters
Hugo Jule, RUPCO [PDF]
Sherry Higgins, National Grid [PDF]

F. Home Health and Safety Part A - Indoor Air Quality and Indoor Pollutants

Residential indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a concern due to the changing nature of homes. Houses are much tighter than they once were. The development of the ‘House as a System’ created a need and opportunity to look at IAQ with regard to the pollutants already existing, trapped in, and created by the processes of controlling air, moisture, and heat. This session is suitable for those seeking a better understanding of the history, issues, concerns and methods for testing IAQ during an initial energy evaluation. Session attendees will leave with a basic understanding of underlying reasons and actions taken to identify potential issues. Addressing those issues through ventilation is addressed in Home Health and Safety Part B.

Moderator
Virginia Walsh, Honeywell

Presenters
Al McMahon, NYS Weatherization Directors Association 

Session 5
10:30am – 11:30am

A. A Deeper Look into Reforming the Energy Vision (REV)

Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Cuomo’s comprehensive energy strategy for New York to help consumers make better and more informed energy choices, enable the development of new energy products and services, protect the environment and create new jobs and economic opportunity throughout New York State. This session takes a deeper look at REV’s goals and initiatives and the potential outcomes for low-income communities. Take this opportunity to ask questions in a smaller group environment.

Moderator
Leonard Silverstein, NYS Department of Public Service

Presenter
Peter Olmsted, NYS Department of Public Service [PDF]

B. Clean Energy in Multifamily Buildings

Energy efficiency in multifamily rental buildings is an important issue in New York’s low-income housing landscape. Attend this session to learn about the outcomes of energy efficiency in multifamily buildings for low-income communities, including the role that the Weatherization Assistance Program has played in New York. Get updates about recent developments in NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program, which offers support to owners, facility managers, and condo/co-op boards of multifamily buildings with five or more units who want to make their existing buildings more energy-efficient.

Moderator  
Caroline Reuss, NYSERDA

Presenters  
Edward Morrison, NYSERDA [PDF]
David Hepinstall, Association for Affordable Energy [PDF]

C. Coordinated Conversion Initiatives

Low-Income households that heat with fuel oil face particular affordability challenges. Learn about two heating system conversion pilot initiatives currently underway aimed at making home heating affordable in low-income communities. In the National Grid Conversion Pilot, weatherization providers in the National Grid service territory are partnering with the utility and converting existing heating systems to natural gas. In the Mobile Conversion Pilot, Opportunities for Chenango is partnering with NYSERDA’s EmPower program and converting heating systems in three mobile home parks to natural gas. These households were heating with fuel oil and facing eviction and potential homelessness unless they switched to natural gas.

Moderator
Beth Ryan, NYS Homes and Community Renewal

Presenter
Sally Ward, PEACE, Inc.
Susan Bard, Opportunities for Chenango
Stephen Doty, National Grid
David Friello, NYSERDA

D. Identity Theft and Scams

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America, and victimizing someone is easier than ever with widespread availability of personal information and access to it. With only a few pieces of valid personal identifiable information, thieves may be able to apply for and receive credit and/or utility services in your name, as well as file fraudulent tax returns. Thieves can also use a variety of scams, frauds, and hoaxes to gain access to your personal information or simply to steal your finances. This presentation is designed to increase your awareness of identity theft and provide strategies to help you prevent victimization. It also provides basic tips to help you recognize and avoid scams while presenting the tools and resources to utilize if you fall victim to a scam.

Moderator
Monica Ferreri, NYS Department of Public Service

Presenters
Melanie Grossman, NYS Department of State

E. Innovations in Home Energy Use: Behavioral Perspectives

This session will highlight innovations to encourage reduction in homeowner energy use. It was developed in conjunction with a Duke University summit that brought together people from research institutions, county sustainability offices, government agencies, consultant organizations, architecture firms, building contractors, and real estate agencies. We will discuss a new book that provides a foundation for new dialog about ways homeowners can be engaged as partners to reduce our collective energy use. The discussion will appeal to a range of people charged with curbing residential energy use through communication-based intervention.

Moderator
Mishel Filisha, NYSERDA

Presenters
Brian Southwell, RTI International [PDF]

F. Home Health and Safety Part B - Introduction to ASHRAE 62.2 Ventilation Standards

Proper home ventilation is important to the health and safety of the occupants. Updated standards that deal with this important issue have been released. This session provides an introductory understanding of the ASHRAE 62.2-2013 ventilation standard, and is suitable for those in the weatherization and home performance industry, and for those seeking a better understanding of the positive Health & Safety impacts of controlled ventilation on the home’s occupants. Session attendees will leave with a basic understanding of ventilation requirements and the equipment necessary to achieve compliance under this standard. This is a follow-up to Home Health and Safety Part A.

Moderator
Patricia Fayo, United Way of the Dutchess Orange Region

Presenters
Matt Redmond, NYS Weatherization Directors Association

Plenary Session 3: Split Incentives in Low-Income Housing: Challenges and Solutions
10:45am – 12:30pm

Presenter
Stephen Bird, Clarkson University [PDF]
Diana Hernandez, Columbia University

Session 6
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

A. Participating in a NYS Public Service Commission Proceeding

Do you have questions about NYS Public Service Commission proceeding participation? Learn what you need to know to get involved. This session will provide an overview of the various parameters and expectations, and rhythms and flow associated with participating as an intervenor in both rate and policy proceedings. A current water company rate proceeding (16-W-0130) and the current proceeding involving utility low-income programs (14-M-0565) will be used as examples for discussion.

Moderator
Gregg Collar, NYS Department of State

Presenter
Saul Rigberg, Public Utility Law Project of New York [PDF]

B. Affordable Housing, Assisted Housing and Energy Interventions: Strategies and Policy Considerations

Nearly three million households in New York State have incomes that can be considered low-income, and about 850,000 live in some form of subsidized housing. High energy costs worsen affordability issues faced by low-income households and also present a significant burden to owners and managers of federally and State-assisted housing. Improving the energy performance of New York’s affordable housing stock can help to preserve long-term affordability and contribute to a higher quality of life for residents. High performance affordable housing that incorporates renewable energy sources can also enhance the resiliency of low-income communities during extreme weather events. However, there are tradeoffs and policy implications that must be considered in designing the right interventions. This panel will provide you with an overview of what New York State is doing to improve the energy affordability of New York’s affordable housing stock and will discuss efforts to engage residents and protect tenants and low-income owners that live in subsidized buildings.

Moderator
Casey Kuklick, Office of NY Gov

Presenter
Tom Carey, NYS Homes and Community Renewal
Karen Phillips, NYS Homes and Community Renewal [PDF]

C. Broadband Initiatives for Low-Income Communities

In June 2013, President Barack Obama announced the development of ConnectED, a new White House education initiative. The success of the national investment in digital classrooms is tied to our ability to connect low-income students to the Internet outside of the classroom. Connected classrooms and broadband access at home are different legs of the same stool. Without solutions to both, we will deepen existing achievement gaps among low-income and minority students. Our discussion will focus on the success, challenges, and initiatives moving forward to bring connectivity to ALL students.

Moderator
Donna Boyce, Solix, Inc.

Presenters
Kurt Peluso, EveryoneOn [PDF]

D. Top Tips from the Field: Using Technology to Thoughtfully Deliver Energy Efficiency to LMI Customers

This presentation will provide attendees with detail on proactively identifying low-income customers that would benefit the most from energy efficiency programs, shortening the cycle time to install retrofits so that LMI customers can receive better, faster service once they express interest, and using automated billing analysis to assess retrofit and installer performance.

Moderator
Sue Montgomery Corey, Community Power Network of NYS

Presenters
Sangeeta Ranade, EnergySavvy [PDF]

E. Alliances for Low-Income Solutions

Complex challenges like our clean energy future require an “all hands on deck” approach. Public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic actors all have important contributions to the vision and the implementation of meaningful solutions. As diverse actors with distinct motivations, how do we collaborate to accelerate progress towards the goals we share? What are the specific ways in which we can form partnerships that produce measurable results more effectively than we could produce alone? This session will share ideas on creating alliances that generate momentum around actionable solutions for low-income households.

Moderator
Lori Clark, NYSERDA

Presenters
John Scicchitano, NYSERDA [PDF]
Jennifer Miller, Build Healthy Places Network [PDF]

F. Introduction to Home Performance Case Studies

Follow us as we walk through a number of homes doing initial audit, work-scope generation, the job, periodic diagnostics, work scope adjustment, post audit, and savings analyses. We will ask attendees for their input on the work scope, how they would handle each problem we encountered, what diagnostic strategies they would use mid-job and, at the end of each case study, review actual savings and what might have been missed.

Moderator
Eva Shmuylovich, DPS

Presenters
Al McMahon, NYSWDA

Session 7
2:45am – 3:45pm

A. Clean Power Plan and Related Environmental Justice Issues

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, with assistance from our partners at the NYS Department of Public Service and NYSERDA, is required to conduct outreach to vulnerable communities to obtain feedback about their program concerns, as part of its development of a State plan under the federal Clean Power Plan. This joint presentation looks to provide background information on climate change, air quality, and clean energy programs in the context of the Clean Power Plan, while looking to get feedback on program design elements from those who work within vulnerable communities.

Moderator
Virginia Walsh, Honeywell

Presenters  
Nancy Welsh, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Michael Sheehan, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation [PDF]
Allison Rose, NYSERDA

B. Potential for Renewable Heating and Cooling in Low-Income Communities

Renewable heating and cooling technologies are efficient, low-carbon solutions for space heating, cooling, and hot water. These technologies include geothermal heat pumps, air source heat pumps, solar thermal hot water, and biomass. New York State is taking strides to develop and implement renewable, low-carbon cooling and heating systems using renewable thermal technology. These systems are a critical component in the move toward enabling net-zero energy and emissions buildings, which produce the same amount of energy as they consume, and emit no greenhouse gases at the site. Learn about the potential for renewable heating and cooling in low-income communities and the work that NSYERDA is doing to support this aspect of the clean energy market.

Moderator
Bill Mitchell, NYSERDA

Presenter
Donovan Gordon, NYSERDA [PDF]

C. Zero Net Energy Modular Homes

Manufactured housing is recognized as a source of affordable housing, but how affordable is it? New York State has about 200,000 mobile and manufactured homes, and many of the residents of those homes are low-income. Families believe they are making a responsible choice buying their own home, but total cost of home ownership in manufactured housing can wipe out the initial benefits. These homes are often located in parks with short-term contracts allowing rent hikes or evictions when the landowner wants to cash out. The National Consumer Law Center reports that New York State provides some minor protections to residents of manufactured home communities, but more can be done. Sellers of manufactured housing too often also provide the financing for the homes, at terms that can be considered predatory. Manufactured homes use nearly twice as much energy per square foot as site-built homes, leaving low-income residents with high monthly costs. Weatherization agencies report that health, safety, and building integrity issues often prevent insulation retrofits. Nationally, housing advocates are looking to leverage the affordability of manufactured housing while providing the same benefits of homeownership to low-income people. Working with affordable housing providers, VEIC has developed a zero net energy modular home (ZNE MH) built to fit on the footprint of a mobile or manufactured home. With installed solar electric, the home is net zero in energy use, even in harsh winter climates. Most important, this home has high quality indoor air and can be financed as real property. VEIC launched the program in Vermont and more than two dozen homes have been placed. The team is now working with other states to bring this exciting and affordable home to those who need it.

Moderator
Lori Borowiak, NYSERDA

Presenter
Elizabeth Chant, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation;
Alison Donovan, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation

D. The State of Poverty in the Empire State

Representatives from the NYS Community Action Association (NYSCAA) will share information from the NYSCAA’s New York State Poverty Report, allowing attendees to get a clear perspective of what poverty looks like in the State. The session will highlight current issues faced by low-income households and related topics debated during the most recent New York State legislative budget process. These topics include the newly created Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative, the minimum/living wage issue, funding childcare mandates and increasing subsidies, and working to ensure a correct count in the 2020 census. The session will introduce participants to NYSCAA and the NYS Community Action network and will include information about the resources NYSCAA makes available to members and to the public.

Moderator
Eva Shmuylovich, NYS Department of Public Service

Presenter
Kim McMann, NYS Community Action Association [PDF]

E. Supplemental Programs: EPIC, Lifeline, Nutrition

While energy assistance programs such as HEAP and WAP can help a household with their energy costs, taking a holistic approach to cutting expenses is a useful strategy. There are additional programs that can help reduce overall household expenses and put money back in the pockets of those in need. Hear about opportunities provided by EPIC, Lifeline, and nutrition programs.

Moderator
Donna Boyce, Solix, Inc.

Presenter

Angelo Rella, NYS Department of Public Service [PDF]
Shirley Belotte, EPIC
Christine Insull, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance [PDF]

F. Whole House Performance with a Half House Wallet

What to do when budgets and other restrictions prohibit implementing complete systems-based solutions? What happens when a homeowner chooses or can only afford to make select building performance improvements when they need it all? What if your agency has a spending limit and/or a leveraged funding opportunity? This session will build on the intermediate knowledge of home performance contractors, weatherization agencies, and their auditors to prioritize and set solutions based action plans within budgetary constraints. Real life examples and sample cases shared to highlight the barriers that inhibit the implementation of integrated solutions to real world problems. Included will be a detailed prioritization of measures that has been long tested in both the private and public sectors.

Moderator
Patricia Fayo, United Way of the Dutchess Orange Region

Presenter
Kyle Haddock, CLEAResult

3:45 pm | CLOSING REMARKS/WRAP UP/RAFFLE

Presenter
Len Silverstein, LIFE Chairman, NYS Department of Public Service