National Fuel's Conservation Incentive Program

National Fuel’s Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) offers customers valuable information on energy conservation and real-time savings opportunities, including rebates for both residential and small non-residential customers and no-cost natural gas energy efficiency services for low-income customers.  With the CIP, residential and small non-residential customers in National Fuel’s western New York service area can receive rebates for buying an ENERGY STAR® rated programmable thermostat or replacing specified appliances with new energy efficient models.  Low-income customers with high natural gas usage may be provided with insulation or other energy saving measures at no cost.  The CIP represents a partnership between National Fuel and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) and is the first of its kind in New York State.  Some of the program features are being implemented by NYSERDA, as indicated below.

Small Non-Residential Customer Rebate Program – Gas Only

Incentives are being offered through NYSERDA’s Tier II of the Enhanced Commercial / Industrial Performance Program.

National Fuel’s Conservation Incentive Program provides small non-residential customers with rebates of up to 50% of the incremental cost to upgrade to qualifying energy efficient furnaces, boilers, water heaters and process heating equipment. In addition, improvements directly related to gas equipment energy savings, including but not limited to, measures such as steam/hot water distribution piping insulation, boiler control systems, flue gas economizers, and heat recovery, are eligible for consideration. The maximum incentive is up to $25,000 per project, or 50% of the incremental cost, whichever is less.

To participate in the program, incentives are provided through NYSERDA’s Tier II of the Enhanced Commercial/Industrial Performance Program. Eligible customers can receive incentives of $40/Mcf based upon the annual Mcf saved for the installation of energy efficiency measures. A technical engineering study indicating the gas energy savings of the proposed energy project is required as part of the application process. Studies completed under NYSERDA’s Energy Audit Program, FlexTech or Technical Assistance Program may be submitted as the required Technical Study or customers may complete their own studies.

Download Program Material and Applications by accessing NYSERDA’s Enhanced Commercial/Industrial Performance Program

Residential customers in National Fuel’s western New York service area – Rebates
Rebates, administered by National Fuel, will be available for the following items purchased (also for space and water heating items) and installed on or after November 1, 2007:

Space and water heating appliances must be installed by a licensed contractor who can supply: a Federal ID number, a Certificate of Insurance or a Business Certificate showing their company’s name and address in order for the rebate application to be considered complete.

These Rebates are available through National Fuel.  In addition, the rebates may be accessed through contractors participating in NYSERDA’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.  This program takes a comprehensive “whole house” approach to energy efficiency improvements in your home, based on a thorough analysis conducted by a Building Performance Institute-accredited contractor.  Further information regarding Home Performance with ENERGY STAR is available here.

More information regarding other NYSERDA energy efficiency programs is available by calling 877-NY-SMART.

More information regarding the rebates is available here.

No-Cost Natural Gas Efficiency Services for Low-Income Customers

The National Fuel Conservation Incentive Program also helps low-income families manage their energy services by providing cost-effective energy usage reduction measures such as:

• FREE Safety Check of the heating system
• FREE Energy Survey to find out where energy dollars are escaping
• FREE Energy-saving measures, such as attic insulation, wall insulation, or draft reducing measures, e.g. caulking and weather-stripping
• FREE ENERGY STAR lighting and other electric reduction measures
• FREE Energy Education to provide tips on ways to manage energy usage

These services are provided through a partnership between National Fuel and NYSERDA’s EmPower New York^SM program, and are being administered by NYSERDA.  Services related to reducing electric usage in the household are being offered independently from the Conservation Incentive Program.

Who is Eligible:  Current National Fuel natural gas customers in western New York who have high energy bills, who reside in 1- or 2-family homes and whose household income is below 60% of state median (i.e., HEAP-eligible).  Preference is given to customers who are participating in National Fuel’s Low Income Customer Assistance Affordability Program (LICAAP).

Access to the Program: Households are referred into EmPower New York^SM by National Fuel, based on energy usage and income eligibility.   National Fuel is initiating the referrals to the Conservation Incentive Program for low-income customers, based upon energy usage and other account criteria, with the highest-use properties being referred first. 

What is the Cost? There is no cost to the customer. In rental situations, certain measures that directly benefit the eligible tenant will be offered without a landlord contribution. Some measures may require a 25% landlord contribution. 

How Will the Services to be Determined? Energy efficiency services are prioritized based on the potential for cost-effective energy usage reduction.

For more information regarding the low-income service available through the Conservation Incentive Program, contact EmPower New York^SM at 1-800-263-0960. 

More information regarding EmPower New York^SMmay be found at here.

17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399    Toll-Free: 1-866-NYSERDA or Local: 518-862-1090    Fax: 518-862-1091
New York City and Buffalo Regional Offices

© 2004 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority