Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MARCH 4, 2022

 

Daily Statewide Positivity Under 2% for Past Eight Consecutive Days 

17 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.    

"We have made incredible progress in combatting the spread of COVID-19 and to help ensure we maintain this progress, we must utilize the tools we have at hand to keep ourselves safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "If you haven't already taken advantage of the protection the vaccine offers, you should do so immediately. Whether it's your first dose, your second, or your booster, the vaccine is widely available, free, and effective."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:    

• Test Results Reported - 137,734
• Total Positive - 1,985
• Percent Positive - 1.44%  
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.63%  
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,631 (-88)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 193
• Patients in ICU - 275 (-23)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 141 (-13) 
• Total Discharges - 286,629 (+235)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 17
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,803  

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.  

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 69,418   

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.    

• Total vaccine doses administered - 37,088,005
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 19,373  
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 313,179
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.1%   
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 85.7%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.8%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.2%    
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 73.3%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.1%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.6% 

RIKERS ISLAND INMATE INDICTED FOR SCALDING NYC DOC OFFICER

 

Victim Sustained 1st Degree Burns 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Rikers Island inmate has been indicted on second-degree Assault and additional charges for throwing scalding water at a New York City Department of Correction Officer in the jail, burning her skin. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly filled a cup with scalding water and threw it at a DOC Officer. The 31-year-old victim’s skin was burned, and she had to be transported to a local hospital for treatment. The defendant has been indicted on Assault charges for this awful, unprovoked attack.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Darrell Woods, 36, an inmate in Rikers Island, was arraigned on March 3, 2022 on two counts of second-degree Assault, third-degree Assault, second-degree Menacing, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon and second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett. Bail was set at $25,000 cash/$75,000 bond/$75,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent. The defendant is due back in court on May 4, 2022. 

 According to the investigation, on January 31, 2022, at approximately 12:38 p.m., the defendant was in the common recreation area in the Anna M. Kross Center with other inmates as the DOC Officer was on duty outside the gate door. Woods allegedly filled an institutional cup with approximately 190-degree water from an electric hot pot and threw it at the Officer’s torso area. The victim was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where she was treated for first-degree burns.

 District Attorney Clark thanked DOC Correction Intelligence Bureau Investigators Daniel Monaco and Walter Holmes for their assistance in the investigation. 

  An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

News from BP Gibson: Resources and Updates

 

Dear Neighbors,   As the fight against COVID-19 continues, New Yorkers have made significant progress. Effective on March 7, 2022, if you are patronizing restaurants, bars and other indoor venues, you will no longer have to show proof of vaccination at the door to get in. Additionally, the mask mandate inside public schools has been lifted. Below you can find additional details and updates from Mayor Adams.   As a reminder, today is the final day to apply to join your local community board. We are encouraging everyone ages 16 and up to apply. You can click HERE for more information on how to apply in English or in Spanish.    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or by emailing webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.   In partnership, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced several changes to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions including the suspension of the Key to NYC program and the removal of indoor mask mandates in city public schools for K-12 students.    Beginning Monday, March 7th:   Key to NYC rules will be suspended. Indoor venues, including restaurants, fitness facilities, and entertainment spaces will no longer be required to check for proof of vaccination before customers enter. Businesses previously covered by Key to NYC rules will still have the flexibility to require proof of vaccination or masking indoors if they choose.    Masks will no longer be required on public school grounds for kindergarten to 12th grade students. While these public school children will be able to remove their masks, if they so choose, schools will continue to maintain strict COVID-19 protocols, including increased ventilation, a daily screener to ensure those with symptoms do not come to school, and test kit distribution. Masks will continue to be required for all settings with children under 5 years of age (where none of the population is yet eligible for the vaccine), including programs contracted by the New York City Department of Education with 3- and 4-year-old children as well as 3k and 4K classrooms in district schools.     Mayor Adams today also announced that all other COVID-19 mandates will remain in effect. Under the rules, employees will still be required to be vaccinated unless they have received a reasonable accommodation from their employer.   Additionally, Mayor Adams released a new color-coded system that tracks COVID-19 alerts and keeps New York City residents apprised of the risks they face in New York City. This new system will better help New Yorkers understand the current level of COVID-19 risk and how they can best protect themselves and others based on the current risk. The system consists of four alert levels that outline precautions and recommended actions for individuals and government based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Community Burden Indicator.   COVID-19 Alert Levels:   Alert Level: Low      There is low COVID-19 community spread. Precautions: Stay up to date - get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19; consider wearing a face mask in public indoor settings where vaccine status is not known; and get tested if you have symptoms or are at high risk for poor health outcomes. Basic public health precautions, like good hand hygiene and staying home if sick, should be followed. Recommended Government Actions: Maintain current employer and school vaccine mandates; require face masks in settings with vulnerable individuals and where vaccine status is not verified, such as health care facilities, congregate settings, and public transportation; consider mandating up-to-date vaccination status in certain settings if there is a sustained increase in cases or a new concerning variant.   Alert Level: Medium There is medium COVID-19 community spread. Precautions: Stay up to date – get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19; wear a mask in public indoor settings where vaccine status is not known; get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed, recently traveled, or attended large gatherings; stay home if sick; keep hands clean. Take additional precautions — such as avoiding crowded indoor and outdoor settings — if at-high risk due to age, underlying health condition, or being unvaccinated, or if interacting with high-risk individuals. Recommended Government Actions: Continue action from Low Alert Level. Consider requiring face masks in additional high-risk settings where it is crowded and distance cannot be maintained, such as schools. Consider reinstituting Key to NYC requirements if there is a sustained increase in cases or a new, concerning variant.   Alert Level: High There is high COVID-19 community spread. Pressure on the health care system in New York City is substantial. Precautions: Stay up to date – get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19; wear a mask in all public indoor settings and crowded outdoor spaces; get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed, recently traveled or attended large gatherings; stay home if sick/exposed; and keep hands clean. Consider avoiding higher-risk activities, such as crowded, indoor gatherings. Recommended Government Actions: Continue action from Medium Alert Level. Increase testing and vaccination capacity; ensure adequate vaccination, testing and isolation capacity in congregate settings; require face masks in all public indoor settings.    Alert Level: Very High There is very high COVID-19 community spread. Health care services are overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. Precautions: Stay up to date – get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19; wear a mask in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor spaces; get tested; stay home as much as possible, especially if sick/exposed; and keep hands clean. Avoid nonessential activities and crowded spaces. Maximize physical distancing in all public settings, including in workplaces. Recommended Government Actions: Continue action from High Alert Level. Ensure congregate settings are less crowded; consider implementing restrictions on nonessential activities, offering telework and sheltering in place to keep essential functions (such as health care and schools) operating.

Rye Ophthalmologist Sentenced To 96 Months In Prison For Prolific Seven-Year Healthcare Fraud Scheme And Covid-19 Loan Fraud

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that AMEET GOYAL, M.D., (“GOYAL”) an ophthalmologist in Rye, New York, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for orchestrating a seven-year healthcare fraud scheme by falsely billing for millions of dollars of upcoded procedures, and also for fraudulently obtaining two Government-guaranteed loans intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic while he was facing charges on pretrial release for the healthcare fraud scheme.  In imposing the sentence today, U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel noted, “Fraud doesn’t fully capture how blatant this was and how unjustified this was… This was not about need, it was about greed.”  GOYAL previously pled guilty to all charges in a six-count superseding Indictment before Judge Seibel on September 13, 2021.

In addition to the prison term, GOYAL was sentenced today to five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay forfeiture of $3.6 million and restitution of $3.6 million.  GOYAL has already paid approximately $1.79 million toward these obligations.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “A prominent ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon who has now surrendered his medical license, AMEET GOYAL was blinded by greed.  Over a seven-year period, he preyed on the trust placed in him and cheated patients and insurance companies of $3.6 million in false charges.  To cover his tracks, he created fictitious operative reports, seeded across hundreds of patient files, violating the integrity of patients’ medical records and making it more difficult for subsequent doctors to evaluate their care.  He sent patients who could not pay the upcoded bills to a collection agency, decimating their credit.  He pressured other doctors to join the scheme and threatened to retaliate against their livelihood and careers. Even after being arrested for this scheme, GOYAL committed a breathtaking new fraud and stole $637,200 from the Paycheck Protection Program in the early days of a devastating pandemic.  For his crimes, GOYAL will serve a substantial sentence in prison.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:

At all relevant times, GOYAL owned and operated the ophthalmology practice Ameet Goyal M.D. P.C., doing business as Rye Eye Associates, with offices in Rye, Mt. Kisco, and Wappingers Falls, New York, and Greenwich, Connecticut (the “Practice”).  Between 2010 and 2017, GOYAL engaged in widespread healthcare fraud by consistently “upcoding” simpler, lower-paying surgical procedures and examinations as complex, higher-paying major operations in fraudulent billings submitted to Medicare, private insurance companies, and patients.  As a result, GOYAL fraudulently obtained at least $3.6 million in payments for procedures he did not perform.  GOYAL failed to obtain proper and, at times, any consent for the upcoded procedures he falsely claimed to have performed.  As part of the scheme, GOYAL routinely falsified patient medical records, authoring fictitious templated operative reports that matched the complex operation he billed rather than the different minor procedure he actually performed.  GOYAL also pressured other employees in his Practice to engage in the scheme, and threatened the livelihood of employees who refused to comply.  GOYAL caused patients to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for fraudulently billed charges, and initiated debt collection proceedings against patients who did not pay the full amounts of those false charges.  As a result of his fraudulent billings, GOYAL was the highest-billing doctor in the tri-state area for several of his fraudulently billed codes, one of which he billed seven times more frequently than all doctors in the tri-state area combined.  GOYAL was indicted for the healthcare fraud charges in November 2019 and was released on bail.        

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of hundreds of billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  Applicants with pending criminal charges are ineligible for PPP loans.  The PPP also limits each eligible borrower to one loan, and a maximum loan amount calculated based on a business’s average monthly payroll expenses. 

In or about April 2020, GOYAL applied to the SBA and Bank-1, a federally insured institution, for over $630,000 in Government-guaranteed loans through the PPP.  Specifically, on or about April 21, 2020, GOYAL applied for a loan in the amount of $358,700 for the business “Ameet Goyal,” with his own social security number and e-mail address. On or about April 29, 2020, GOYAL applied for a second loan in the amount of $278,500, with a business name “Rye eye associates,” using the Employer Identification Number for Ameet Goyal, M.D. P.C and a different email address controlled by GOYAL.  To substantiate each loan, however, GOYAL submitted the exact same underlying payroll expense report, showing the same employees and payroll costs. 

On both applications, GOYAL falsely answered that he was not facing any pending criminal charges, and electronically placed his initials “AG” directly under his “No” response.  GOYAL also falsely certified, among other things, that his business would not receive another PPP loan until the end of the year.  After obtaining approval from Bank-1 and the SBA through his fraudulent misrepresentations, GOYAL executed loan notes for two loans.  On May 4, 2020, GOYAL received the first loan of $358,700, and on May 11, 2021, GOYAL received the second loan of $278,500.  GOYAL used the business checking account into which these funds were deposited to pay business and personal expenses, including by making a payment to a country club in Westchester, New York within days of receiving the first loan, as well as payments to a California vineyard and golf merchandise website.          

GOYAL, 58, of Rye, New York, pled guilty to all six counts in the Superseding Indictment.  The first count charged healthcare fraud; the second count charged wire fraud; and the third count charged making false statements relating to health care matters.  Counts four, five, and six charged that while on pretrial release, the defendant committed the following offenses, respectively: bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application, and making false statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the Government of the United States.

Mr. Williams praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Office of the Inspector General of the SBA.

Attorney General James Launches Rulemaking Process to Combat Illegal Price Gouging and Corporate Greed

 

OAG Starts First Price Gouging Rulemaking Process as Major Corporations Continue to Raise Consumer Prices

AG James Seeks Public Comments to Inform New Price Gouging Rules

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today launched a rulemaking process to look into whether major corporations are using the pandemic and inflation as an excuse to unfairly raise the price of basic goods. The first-ever price gouging rulemaking process by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will examine and address new evidence that some of the recent price hikes by big corporations were driven by profit not increased costs. Through this process, Attorney General James aims to implement new price gouging rules that will crack down on pandemic profiteering and corporate greed.

“The rising costs of essentials and basic household items has had a real impact on working families,” said Attorney General James. “Throughout the pandemic, hardworking New Yorkers have been struggling to make ends meet, but big corporations have been celebrating record breaking profits. It doesn’t add up. My office is prepared to use every tool in our toolbox to crack down on price gouging and pandemic profiteering.”

New York’s price gouging law bans companies from taking advantage of a crisis to charge excessive prices for vital and necessary goods and services. The rulemaking process will explore growing evidence that big corporations appear to have used the pandemic as an excuse to charge more for necessary goods, such as gas and oil, food, and cars. As evidenced by the recent spike in corporate profits, many companies are not sharing in the burden of the pandemic, nor are they neutral. Evidence indicates that some companies are profiting by increasing costs for the people hit hardest by the pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic, public reporting has highlighted instances of major corporations steadily increasing costs of goods onto consumers, despite experiencing record high revenue. Some examples of those reports include:

• Beef prices rose 30 percent, while meatpackers have been celebrating an average of 120 percent increase in profits.
• The cost of Proctor and Gamble diapers, toothpaste, detergent, and tampons has risen throughout the pandemic while Proctor and Gamble has boasted record-breaking profits.
• Chipotle prices are up 10 percent from January 2021 to January 2022, which the company blames on labor shortages, but their operating income rose 181 percent.
• While the cost of a basic cup of coffee at Starbucks has shot up 20 percent, the company profits are up 30 percent.
• Shipping prices are way up, while shipping company profit margins are breaking records.
• Chevron and Shell posted record profitability while energy costs soared.

While not all of these may be illegal, some of them may fit the definition of price gouging under New York law.

New York’s law bans “unconscionably excessive” prices, which include both “unconscionably extreme” prices and prices set through “unfair leverage or unconscionable means.” New York’s statute is also unique in the wide scope of covered goods and services, and the fact that it covers all actors in the supply chain for those goods and services, including manufacturers, retailers, distributors, shipping firms, and online platforms. The law also prohibits price gouging not just of consumers but also small businesses and state and local governments.

The Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) outlines the evidence that some of the price increases for vital and necessary goods may violate New York law and lays out the incentive structures that can lead to price gouging. The ANPR also discusses the unique harms caused by price gouging and the economic justification for prohibiting this form of profiteering. The ANPR has been submitted to the State Register for publication and will be officially available on or about March 9. 

The OAG is seeking comment from the public on a wide range of questions about price gouging, including questions about industry tools that may obscure price gouging.  

Public comments in response to the ANPR may be submitted immediately and until April 22, 2022 at stopillegalprofiteering@ag.ny.gov.

Requesting public comments is part of the three-step process. Once public comments are submitted OAG will review them then propose new rules. Afterwards, the public will have 60 days to submit comments on the proposed rules. Following the 60 days, OAG will promulgate new price gouging rules.

This is the first rulemaking initiated under the 2020 amendments to New York’s General Business Law 396-r, which expanded the scope of the price gouging statute, and granted the Attorney General rulemaking authority.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR ERIC ADAMS AND COMMISSIONER CASTRO ON IMMIGRATION RELIEF EXTENSION TO UKRAINIANS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro today released the following statement in response to President Biden extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to 1 million Ukrainian immigrants living in the United States:

 

“Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, we thank President Biden for listening to our call to extend Temporary Protected Status to 1 million Ukrainian immigrants living in the U.S.

 

“With the largest population of Ukrainian immigrants living in the country, this effort will protect thousands of New Yorkers in a time of crisis. The city stands by our state partners in ensuring that New York is a safe haven and that we lead the nation in supporting immigrant communities in a time of need.” 

 

Ukrainian New Yorkers can visit nyc.gov/ukrainianresources for more information or call the Mayor’s Office of Immigrants Affairs’ Immigration Legal Services Hotline at 800-354-0365 for help in applying for TPS, as well as for connections to city-funded, free, and safe immigration legal help.

 

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON NEW COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS, RISK ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

 "I want to thank New Yorkers for all that they have done to protect one another and limit the spread of COVID-19, allowing us to work to move forward. There will never be a perfect time to lift these policies, and the decisions will always be difficult, but the best course of action is to move gradually and guided by the science.

"Based on recent CDC guidelines, easing masking measures can make sense, provided other standards are met. As I have said, though, it is unnecessary and unwise to suddenly remove Key2NYC, especially while simultaneously lifting other protections and amid existing vaccine disparities across neighborhoods. Vaccine requirements are helping New Yorkers both be safe and feel safe as they patronize local businesses, and we should only move forward only in a way that ensures we don’t go backward. Lifting Key2NYC sends the wrong message at the wrong time.

"Finding a new normalcy will mean continuously monitoring the level of risk and impact of new policies. To that end, I am glad to see the mayor follow through on establishing a color-coded standard for COVID-19 risk and the corresponding safety measures. My office has advocated for this for several months, and the administration has previously signaled support. 

"At the same time, I believe more clarity and transparency is still needed on the metrics used to reach these declarations. Right now, the CDC’s assessment places New York City counties at “medium” risk, not low. Additionally, the city’s new definition of “low” risk protocols includes masking in some spaces where vaccination status is unverified – seemingly at odds with the administration lifting protocols, especially around Key2NYC, today. Consistency of messaging and metrics is essential to giving New Yorkers the tools they need to protect themselves and one another, and rebuilding trust that government will not repeat the mistakes of the past." 

Governor Hochul Highlights Available Programs to Help New Yorkers Manage Rising Energy Costs

 

Options Available to Maximize Energy Efficiency, Affordability, and Comfort

Follows Call for Utilities to Enhance Consumer Awareness of Impact on Energy Bills  

Home Energy Assistance Program Aid Available for Homeowners and Renters

 Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers of programs and options available to address rising energy supply costs. Families and businesses alike can take advantage of programs to adopt energy efficiency and electrification solutions for homes and buildings, which will make them more comfortable and help manage energy costs over time. Earlier this week, the Governor announced the Department of Public Service issued letters to all of New York’s major electric and gas utilities requiring them to increase their outreach and education efforts regarding the impact on energy bills from surging energy supply prices. She also launched an enhanced statewide campaign to educate New Yorkers about the available programs low-income customers can tap into to access millions in aid.   

“My administration is working closely with partners throughout the state to ensure we have a coordinated effort in helping families and businesses address rising energy costs,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of the various programs available to help manage these rising costs, as well as ensure that best practices are being followed to reduce energy consumption.”

 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “There are many ways for New Yorkers to save energy and lessen their energy bills over time, from easy steps like using LED lighting to signing up for a local community solar offering. These programs can offer an immediate lifeline for some of our most vulnerable residents during these challenging times, and we encourage all New Yorkers to help us spread the word about the assistance we are offering in the face of rising energy costs.” 

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Acting Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, “As New Yorkers continue to feel the budgetary sting of rising fuel costs, we encourage all eligible households to apply for help from the Home Energy Assistance Program. The regular benefit and emergency supplements can provide an important stopgap for low-income individuals and families to defray the cost of heating their homes and make ends meet as we head into the final weeks of the cold weather season in the Northeast.”

Department of Public Service (DPS) CEO Rory M. Christian said, “Given the sudden and sharp increase in energy prices, it’s critically important for consumers to reduce their monthly energy bills by considering cost-effective energy efficiency investments such as using LED lights, better household insulation, and more energy efficient appliances. Many of these investments can be made by consumers themselves without the need to hire a contractor.”

The costs of natural gas, heating oil and propane continue to rise sharply resulting in increases in utility and heating bills, with international geopolitical influences putting additional pressure on the price of oil and gas. As energy prices rise during the winter months, some steps New Yorkers can take to protect against higher energy costs are:

Apply for HEAP. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide up to $751 to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, applications for HEAP are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A list of local offices by county can be found here. Residents outside of New York City may also apply online for regular heating assistance benefits. New York City residents may download an application and obtain program information here. To qualify for benefits, a family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249, or an annual gross income of $62,983.

• New York State is also providing $250 million in additional federal funding to help low-income households pay heating utility arrears up to $10,000 per household. Additionally, $58 million in emergency HEAP funding remains available to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or their heating source exhausted amid fuel price increases this winter. 
   
• For low-income households facing no-heat situations due to non-working heating equipment, OTDA is also accepting applications for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $3,000 for repairs or $6,500 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household's primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which include the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for safe and efficient operation. Interested households can apply with their local HEAP contact. 

Take immediate action to be more energy efficient. There are many simple steps consumers can take at home, such as lowering the thermostat by a few degrees, using curtains to help keep heat in, and adding weather stripping to windows and doors, all of which are no or low-cost to the consumer. NYSERDA offers energy saving tips for residents and homeowners as well as businesses that can be implemented to lower energy usage. NYSERDA also offers a range of home energy efficiency programs that can help save energy and reduce costs over the long-term. Income-eligible customers may qualify for reduced cost or free energy upgrades to their homes through EmPower New York and Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® programs.  Homeowners should also check with their local gas and electric utility companies to access discounted products and services that can help them lower their energy costs all year long.

Receive a customized list of energy-related assistance in the State. New York Energy Advisor can help homeowners, renters, and property managers locate programs that help them spend less on energy and create healthier and more comfortable spaces. With the New York Energy Advisor, consumers answer a few simple questions and are connected with energy-saving offers in New York State. Sponsored by NYSERDA and utilities, qualified New Yorkers can get help paying utility bills, receive special offers on heating assistance, and more.

 

Sign up for community solar. Community Solar allows New Yorkers, including renters, co-op/condo owners, and businesses, to save money every month on their electric bills. Consumers can subscribe to a community solar project where available and start receiving credits on their electric bill for the clean energy produced by a solar farm. Find more information on how to sign up for community solar on NYSERDA’s website.  

Get a free energy audit. Homeowners across New York are eligible for a free home energy assessment through NYSERDA’s Residential Energy Audit Program. Home energy assessments are available both in-person and using remote technologies. Trained and qualified contractors who provide energy assessment services can help homeowners decide which energy improvements are worth investing in, install the improvements, and assist in connecting homeowners with NYSERDA’s low-interest financing programs.  

Reduce your business or buildings energy costs. Community Energy Advisors across New York State can help residents, businesses and multifamily building owners reduce their energy use and costs.

Join a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign. Participating in a campaign eases the process of replacing a community member’s current heating or cooling system with clean heating or cooling technology by connecting members with pre-qualified contractors and outlining potential incentives, tax breaks, financing, and payment options. Experienced contractors can give a home or business owner a holistic assessment to determine if their home or business space will also benefit from weatherproofing upgrades that can further increase comfort and reduce energy bills. Visit NYSERDA’s website to see if your community is participating in a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign.

 Know your rights and protections. The New York State Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA) has comprehensive protections for residential customers regarding their utility services. These rights include the option to pay bills in installments, a cap on late fees, sufficient notice prior to shut-off of services, and protections for those on a fixed income or with medical conditions. Learn about these from the Department of Public Service at AskPSC. 

Consider bill payment options. When getting in touch with your utility provider, inquire about billing options that allow for deferred payments or “budget billing” options that even out bills that are higher in one season and lower in another. This can structure your payments and make it easier to navigate costs. 

Better understand the energy management of your building. Put Energy to Work for businesses provides a deeper understanding of tools and programs that help in energy management for commercial and industrial buildings and includes resources that can increase profitability, create a competitive advantage, and achieve greater resiliency. 

Visit NYSERDA for more information about the programs, funding and technical assistance available to assist homeowners, renters and businesses manage their energy needs.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan 

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy even as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enacted into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality.

It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $33 billion in 102 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.

Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050. The Climate Act will ensure that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings.