New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a State founded ‘public benefit organization’. The agency provides technical and financial assistance to promote energy efficiency for institutional and residential energy customers in New York State. Participation in NYSERDA program is free.

The organization was initially formed in 1975 under Article 8, Title 9, of the State Public Authorities Law. Its initial task was to help curtail NY State’s consumption of petrochemical products and decrease growth of energy demand. Today NYSERDA is charged with many additional tasks, such as promoting energy efficiency, developing alternative energy sources, and developing programs aimed at improving the safety of energy production, while minimizing its ecological impact.

NYSERDA’s commitment to public work is reflected in its collaboration with businesses, academia, industry, federal government, and the environmental, public and energy market participants. Such relationship plays a vital role in the introduction of advanced technologies, improvements of NY State energy markets, and softening our dependence on fossil fuel sources.

NYSERDA funding opportunities are announced either as Public Opportunity Notices (PON) or programs with defined titles. The applicants submit their program-specific proposals to NYSERDA for an initial assessment. Approved projects must follow a prescribed set of tasks and procedures intended to assure a desired outcome. A project assistance cycle ends with the creation of the ‘final report’, which is prepared and verified by NYSERDA representatives. The incentives awarded by NYSERDA usually equate to a portion of expenses needed to implement recommended improvements. The recipients obtain a long-term benefit of energy savings, generated as a result of energy conservation measures installed in the project.

RIT takes full advantage of NYSERDA incentive programs, especially its Flexible Technical Assistance, New Construction, Research and Development, Smart Equipment Choices, Building Commissioning and LEED certification assistance in energy related credits.