Frequently Asked Questions                  

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Why is NYSEG offering a multi-family program?
On June 23, 2008, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an order establishing an Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS) to reduce the state’s overall energy consumption and encourage wise energy use. On July 27, 2009, the PSC issued a subsequent order designed to serve the multi-family customer group. This program is the result of that July PSC order.

The purpose of the program is to encourage customers in multi-family buildings to reduce electricity usage by making lighting and other efficiency improvements.

What is being offered?
Eligible customers and building owners can receive rebates and incentives to install energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), common area lighting, as well as low flow aerators, low flow showerheads and water heater pipe wrap in apartments and condominiums where hot water is heated by electricity.

• Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in up to six fixtures will be installed in apartments or condominiums at no cost for the building owner or tenant. The CFLs installed will be selected to match existing incandescent bulbs as much as possible.
• Installation at no cost for low flow aerators, low flow showerheads and water heater pipe wrap in apartments and condominiums where hot water is heated by electricity.
• If additional building system lighting efficiency measures are identified for common area lighting, the program will pay up to
  50% of these measures.

Who is eligible to apply?
A NYSEG electricity customer who is either:
A Homeowners Association representative for a condominium complex or a landlord/owner of an eligible five to 50 unit
multi-family building.

Both building owners/agents and tenants can benefit from the program; however, tenants and condominium owners cannot
directly apply.

I purchase my energy supply from a supplier other than NYSEG. Can I participate?
Yes. NYSEG delivery customers are eligible as long as they have an active electricity account and fit the building criteria.

What is the process to apply for the program?
Building owners, agents and Homeowners Association representatives may call RISE Engineering at 1.800.444.5668.

If you rent an apartment or own a condominium and are interested, we must speak to the building owner or agent to determine eligibility and enroll your building in the program. 

Who will install the equipment?
The multi-family program is being administered by RISE Engineering, a contractor hired by NYSEG. RISE employees have badges identifying them as NYSEG contractors.

How is the NYSEG Multi-family Program funded?
This program is funded through the System Benefits Charge (SBC) that appears on all electricity customer bills. This state mandated
fund is for initiatives focused on reducing residential electricity use in the state.

What else can I do to reduce my energy use and save money?
Visit our Using Energy Wisely page at nyseg.com. There, you can take a room-by-room assessment of your energy use with our Energy-Wise Checklist and see how well you’re managing your energy use by taking our Energy IQ test. Our Home Energy Use Guide will tell how much energy your current appliances require. We can also mail this information or you can receive copies at our walk-in office locations.

You can also visit NYSERDA’s Web site , and click on “residential” or “renters” for information that helps homeowners and renters reduce their energy costs.