Frequently Asked Questions

NYSERDA FAQs (480kb .pdf)

What is it?
Eligibility and Participation
Program Assistance
Application Questions
Technical Assistance Services
Incentives
Green Buildings
Program Process

What is it?

1. What is the New Construction Program's (NCP) objective?

The New Construction Program's objective is to effect a permanent transformation in the way that Commercial and Industrial buildings are designed and constructed. The NCP meets this objective by providing technical assistance and financial incentives to design teams and building owners. NCP offers direct Technical Assistance (TA) incentives and capital cost incentives based on improved building energy efficiency performance. Incentives are also available for building commissioning services, green buildings, peak-load reduction, energy benchmarking, and advanced solar and daylighting systems.

2. How long is the NCP available?

The current round of the NCP (PON 1222 ) is available on a first-come, first-served basis through December 31, 2009, or until funding in the program is exhausted, whichever comes first.

Eligibility and Participation

1. What types of projects are eligible for incentives?

The following two types of building projects are eligible for incentives under the program:

• New Construction: defined as a new building, or space within a new building, for which a licensed professional architect or engineer has prepared and certified building plans, or
  
• Substantial Renovation: defined as one of the following types of projects where a licenesed professional architect or engineer has prepared and certified building plans for:
  • Change of use and reconstruction of an existing building or space within;
  • Construction work of a nature requiring that the building or space within be out of service for at least 30 consecutive days; or
  • Reconstruction of a vacant structure or space within.

There is no limit to the size of the project that is eligible for the program, either in terms of energy usage or building square footage.

2. How do I qualify for participation in NCP?

To qualify for participation, you must be an electric service customer of Consolidated Edison, Central Hudson, National Grid formerly Niagara Mohawk, New York State Electric & Gas, Orange and Rockland Utilities, or Rochester Gas and Electric and pay the New York State System Benefits Charge (SBC).

3. How do I know if I am paying the SBC ?

To determine if you pay SBC, simply look at a recent electric bill from your utility company to see if SBC is listed as a charge. If you do not see the line item, you may contact NYSERDA (1-866-NYSERDA), which will assist you in determining whether you pay into the SBC .

Customers of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and municipal utilities are not eligible to participate in the NCP; but may be eligible to participate in other NYSERDA programs that are open to customers throughout New York State. Please contact NYSERDA at the toll free number listed above to determine if any energy efficiency programs are available to you.

4. What do I do once I have determined I am an eligible Applicant and have an eligible project?

After you have determined that you are an eligible Applicant and have an eligible project:

1. Obtain an application from NYSERDA's website, www.nyserda.org , or call 1-866-NYSERDA to have an application mailed to you. Then submit your completed application to NYSERDA.

2. Submit your completed application to NYSERDA. Please mail to: NYSERDA, New Construction Program, Attn: Program Manager, 17 Columbia Circle, Albeny, NY 12203-6399.

3. Upon receipt of the application, a NYSERDA representative will contact you to discuss available technical service and to provide assistance in completing any additional forms, if necessary..

5. How many times can I participate in this program?

Under the current Program Opportunity Notice (PON 1222), applicants may submit as many buildings as desired, subject
to funding availability.

New Construction Program (NCP) Assistance

1. What are Outreach Project Consultants (OPCs) and what services do they provide?

1. OPC's are engineers/architects under contract to work directly with Applicants and their project teams.

2. An OPC may assist with application completion and reviews them for accuracy.

3.. Once an application has been received, OPCs will work with you and your design team to develop a program participation plan that best fits your needs.

4.An OPC will also schedule and participate in Scoping Meetings, i.e. , meetings to define what is to be included as part of the project. An OPC Coordinates the activities of the Technical Assistance (TA) providers, reviews technical assistance scopes of work, identifies opportunities with the Applicant and may conduct LEED® charrettes.  Once the project is completed, an OPC may inspect and verify installation of the energy efficiency measures. In addition, the OPC provides NYSERDA with photographs of completed projects and develops case studies. OPCs promptly and effectively respond to Applicant questions and requests for assistance. In addition to these services, OPC coordinators also assist NYSERDA project staff with program administration.

5. NYSERDA assigns OPCs based upon where a building is located. OPC services are provided free of charge.

2. Where are OPCs located and how can I contact one?

OPCs are conveniently located in six different zones in New York State. Contact information is listed below.

Services (see map)

Western Region

Zone 1 - Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming

Zone 2 - Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates

Upstate/Southern Tier Region

Zone 3 - Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence

Zone 4 - Albany, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington, and Warren

Downstate Region

Zone 5 - Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Westchester, and Ulster

Zone 6 - Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond, Queens

Application Questions

1. How do I get an NCP application?

Program applications are available for the NCP on NYSERDA's website or you can call 1-866-NYSERDA to have an application mailed to you.

2. At what phase of my project should I submit an application?

To ensure eligibility to participate in the entire program and maximize program benefits, NYSERDA recommends that applications be submitted in the early schematic design phase or sooner. If you wait to submit your application in the design development phase, you may be limited to only pre-qualified program measures.

3. What specific paperwork needs to be submitted?

A completed NCP application, which reserves a space in the NCP must be completed and returned to NYSERDA.

4. Where do I send my application?
The original signed and dated application should be sent to:  

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
New Program Construction Program

Attn: Program Manager
17 Columbia Circle
Albany, NY 12203-6399

5. Can my application be faxed or emailed to NYSERDA?
Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted. Applications, with an original signature, are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through December 31, 2009, or until funds are fully committed, whichever comes first.

Technical Assistance Services

1. Who are NYSERDA's NCP Technical Assistance (TA) providers?

NYSERDA has contracted with several energy consultants to provide Technical Assistance (TA) services to eligible NCP Applicants. TA providers are assigned by NYSERDA based on availability, location, and project-specific needs.

2. What does the Technical Assistance (TA) Provider do and how does NYSERDA provide an incentive with respect to the use of the TA Provider?

1. Under NYSERDA direction, TA providers conduct assessments of potential energy savings measures and design features to limit energy usage, peak demand electric loads, and integrate solar and day-lighting technologies. They may conduct computer energy modeling of the building project designed to standard practice (base case), compare it to a more energy efficient improved building design, and calculate the energy savings.

2. NYSERDA pays the first $10,000 of the cost of TA services and cost shares 50% of the balance, up to a maximum NYSERDA contribution of $100,000. An Applicant may request NYSERDA to direct a TA provider to prepare a scope of work and budget for review and approval by the Applicant prior to delivery of TA services.

3. Do you have a list of Technical Assistance (TA) providers and the services they provide?
Yes. NYSERDA maintains a list of TA providers with experience on NCP projects.

4.How do I know how much it will cost for a Technical Assistance (TA) provider to perform an energy analysis of my project?

Technical Assistance (TA) costs vary from project to project. The fee for the technical analysis is based on the methods of analysis being used as well as how many measures are being analyzed. If an Applicant is interested in obtaining a Technical Assistance provider, NYSERDA will conduct a scoping meeting at the onset of the process to determine an applicant’s desired scope of work of the Technical Assistance and the cost of proposed work for an Applicant's review and approval, prior to proceeding with the assistance..

5.  When will I be required to pay my share of the Technical Assistance study cost?

NYSERDA invoices the Applicant approximately 90 days after the incentive offer and analysis have been delivered to the Applicant.

Incentives

1. What kinds of incentives are available through the NCP program?

There are several types of incentives available under the program:

• Capital Cost incentives
• The Green Buildings incentive, which provides an incentive for meeting various national green building standards
• A Design Incentive, which provides assistance with the cost of outside design professionals for Whole Building Design Projects and LEED ® Rated buildings
• Building Commissioning Incentives are available to finance a portion of the cost to provide a detailed assessment of building systems and their performance to ensure that they are operating at optimal capacity
• Advanced Solar and Day-lighting incentives are available for the design and installation of advanced solar and daylighting technologies

2. What is a Capital Cost incentive?

Capital Cost incentives are based upon an escalating payment scale for kWh and kW savings. These incentives can defray a portion of the incremental cost to purchase and install more energy-efficient or advanced technology equipment and may cover up to 75% of the incremental costs.

3. What are Green Building Incentives?

The Green Buildings approach is the most comprehensive package of services offered through the New Construction Program. Green Buildings incentives are available to projects that achieve a minimum number of energy points.

4. What is the process for receiving a Capital Cost incentive?

Once an Applicant completes and submits an application, NYSERDA will review the application and provide written pre-approval of the eligible incentives. Custom and whole buildings incentives usually require a TA study. This pre-approval authorizes the Applicant to proceed with the design of the building and the purchase and installation of the specific equipment and building features outlined in the approved application.

If incentives are provided for the installation of pre-qualified or Custom and Whole Building Measures outlined in the approved application, the Applicant will be asked to provide written certification that the energy efficient equipment and building features have been installed. Upon NYSERDA review and approval of the completed project and any other required information, a check will be issued to the Applicant. NYSERDA may elect to inspect any and all projects prior to final approval, and the Applicant must provide access to NYSERDA staff or contractors after project completion for measurement and verification.

5. What are the Design incentives?

For projects under the Whole Building Design method that exceed the performance requirements of the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York by a minimum of 3%, design team (architect and/or engineer of record) incentives are available.

6. Who are the Design team incentives paid to and when are they paid?

Design team incentives are paid to the Applicant after the incentive offer is made and the technical study is complete and approved by NYSERDA.

7. What are Building Commissioning Services?

Building commissioning services consist of a detailed assessment of building systems and their performance to ensure that they are operating as originally intended and designed. NYSERDA requires commissioning on all projects receiving incentive awards over $100,000. NYSERDA may require on-site verification of project performance after a one-year period of operation.

Green Buildings

1. What is a Green Building?

A " Green Building" is a building that has addressed and integrated into its general operations and design: sustainable site planning, safeguarding water and water efficiency, energy efficiency, conservation of materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

2. What is the LEED® rating system and how does a building become certified?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program is a consensus based Green Building rating system developed by the United States Green Building Council, an independent not for profit organization. The rating system is divided into five categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. These five categories are further broken up into "credits." One or more points are available within each credit and are awarded based on achieving specific requirements. To certify a project a building must achieve a all pre-requisites and a minimum number of credits. For a more detailed description of the LEED® rating system, please refer to the U.S. Green Building Council's website www.usgbc.org .

3. What is NY-CHPS?

The purpose of NY-CHPS is to provide a framework that helps school districts and their design teams design and build sustainable school buildings that enhance the educational environment and facilitate learning.  High performance schools optimize resources over the life of the facility, are less expensive to operate than standard buildings, and help to ensure healthy, safe, and high quality learning environments for all occupants.  For a more detailed description of the NY-CHPS program, please refer to the New York State Education Department’s website www.nysed.gov

4. Does NYSERDA provide Green Building incentives and Technical Assistance?

NYSERDA may provide Technical Assistance incentives for Green Building analysis on a 50% cost-shared basis, up to a maximum NYSERDA contribution of $50,000. To qualify for Green Building assistance , NYSERDA directs a TA consultant with Green Buildings experience to prepare a scope of work and budget for review and approval by the Applicant. The scope of this work can, at a minimum, cover materials analysis and selection recommendations. If requested, the scope may include identification of LEED® requirements.

Additional capital cost incentives are available for LEED® Certified projects achieving three or more points under the energy optimization category of the LEED® rating system.

For projects that successfully achieve a formal LEED® rating by the US Green Buildings Council as a Green Building, Applicants are eligible for a flat-rate incentive in the amount of $7,500 for projects under 50,000 square feet in area and $15,000 for projects of 50,000 square feet or larger.

New Construction Program (NCP) Process

1. Is there any assistance available to help guide me through the NCP process?

Questions about the NCP process can be directed to either NYSERDA staff or one of its OPCs identified in the New Construction Program (NCP) Assistance section. At no cost to the Applicant, the OPCs will work directly with program Applicants to determine eligibility, explore participation options, identify technical assistance needs, and assist the Applicant in completing program applications.

2. How long does the process take for completing a TA study?

It usually takes two weeks from the time the application is received to assign a Technical Assistance (TA) provider and to schedule a scoping meeting with all involved parties. Typically, it takes another two weeks to develop the scope of work and up to one week for the review of the scope of work by the Applicant, TA provider, OPC, and NYSERDA. Two more weeks are required for getting all the documentation in place, and 8 - 12 w eeks are needed for the TA study. Finally, an additional two weeks are needed to review and issue the final report to the Applicant.

3. Is there any way for me (the Applicant) to speed up the process?

The most effective way to speed up the process is to provide the information required by the application or the TA provider as quickly as possible.

4. What happens if I don't want to install recommended measures?

The Applicant makes the final determination on whether or not to install the recommended measures. There is no penalty for not installing recommended measures; NYSERDA will pay an agreed upon share of the TA study, even if the measures are not installed.

5. When would I purchase and install the equipment?

Purchase and installation of equipment can begin after the Applicant receives the incentive offer from NYSERDA.

6. Must I purchase equipment from a particular manufacturer?

NYSERDA does not endorse, guarantee, or warrant any particular manufacturer or product. Generally, there are numerous manufacturers and/or distributors from whom Applicants may purchase the equipment.

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