Picente: State Grant Program Available To Help Individuals Impacted by Recent Storms

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced a state-supported appliance grant program that should be explored by Oneida County residents impacted by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee.

“There are a number of efforts taking shape to help the people in our communities who have been affected by the destruction from these two server storms,” Picente said. “The most important thing that residents trying to recover can do is to contact the office administering this new grant to determine eligibility and then see what needs to be done if they are eligible for support.”

The program will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Grants will be available for the most critical energy efficient equipment and appliances.

“Governor Cuomo is concerned about the people of our region and the damage from the storm, and this is part of a broad-based plan of action that the State and federal governments will be rolling out,” Picente said. “Because there are so many people in different circumstances, the best thing to do for individual cases is to contact the state and have a conversation with an expert who can help determine eligibility and the next steps.”

Purchases of appliances and equipment, with the exception of dehumidifiers, must be for replacement purposes only and purchases covered by insurance or FEMA are not eligible. Audits to verify insurance claims and/or FEMA assistance may be conducted. All grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for completed applications, which will be available beginning Monday, September 19 at www.NYSApplianceRebates.com or by calling 1-877-NY-SMART (877-697-6278). The grant program will continue until funding runs out.
 

Residents statewide in affected areas will be eligible and must affirm that they have been impacted by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee and that these products are not covered by insurance or FEMA assistance. For residents affected by Hurricane Irene, grants on purchases of approved appliances and equipment will be retroactive to Aug. 29, 2011, and for residents affected by Tropical Storm Lee, grants will be retroactive to Sept. 9, 2011.

Grants will be for ENERGY STAR© qualified appliances and equipment where applicable. In product categories for which there are no ENERGY STAR criteria, the higher efficiency units will be eligible for a rebate.

A list of eligible equipment and appliances and rebate levels is as follows: