Relates to authorizing the New York state energy research and development authority to administer a program to provide grants related to enabling switching residences to electric heat pumps

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 12 co-sponsors

Authorizes NYSERDA to administer grants enabling residences to switch to electric heat pumps, accelerating decarbonization and clean-energy jobs.

REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES

Overview

A.7060 would authorize the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to administer a program that provides grants to help residences switch from traditional heating sources to electric heat pumps. The bill is currently in the legislative process after being introduced on March 20, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal is to support electrification of residential heating by funding grants that enable homeowners or other eligible residents to switch to electric heat pumps.

By authorizing NYSERDA to administer the program, the bill aims to streamline the delivery of grants and leverage NYSERDA’s expertise in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies.

Key Provisions (as stated)

Authorization for NYSERDA to administer a grant program specifically designed to facilitate switching residences to electric heat pumps.

The bill delegates responsibility for program design, administration, and implementation to NYSERDA, subject to applicable state laws and oversight.

The legislation is framed to support residential electrification efforts, contributing to decarbonization and energy efficiency goals.

Note: Specific details such as grant amounts, eligibility criteria, funding sources, application processes, reporting requirements, and program-wide safeguards are not provided in the summary materials available here. If enacted, those elements would typically be defined in the bill’s full text or subsequent amendments.

Who Would Be Affected

Households seeking to replace or upgrade heating systems to electric heat pumps.

NYSERDA, as the administering agency, would oversee grant applications, award decisions, and program management.

Stakeholders in energy efficiency and clean energy sectors, including contractors, installers, and local governments, could be affected through program participation and implementation activities.

Legislative Path and Timeline

Introduced: March 20, 2025.

Initial committee action: Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions (March 20, 2025); reference subsequently changed to Energy (March 21, 2025).

Further committee referrals: Referred to Ways and Means (May 20, 2025); again noted in the record.

Status updates: Referred to Rules (May 29, 2025), indicating continued movement through the usual rulemaking and floor consideration track.

Sponsors: Primary sponsor Dana Levenberg, with a broad slate of cosponsors including Sarahana Shrestha, Jonathan Jacobson, MaryJane Shimsky, Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Linda Rosenthal, Chris Burdick, Emily Gallagher, Steven Otis, Albert A. Stirpe, Anna Kelles, Amy Paulin, among others.

Summary

A.7060 seeks to create a streamlined pathway for providing grants via NYSERDA to facilitate residential switching to electric heat pumps. The bill’s progression through committees (Energy, Ways and Means) and its current referral to Rules reflect active consideration and potential for further amendments before floor action. If enacted, the program design details (eligibility, funding, and administration) would determine the practical impact on homeowners and the market for heat pump installations.

Bill