West Harlem NYC , NY

YEAR BUILT: 1908
HOUSING TYPE: Multifamily income-restricted affordable Co-op
FUEL TYPE: Delivered fuel (oil, propane)

DESIRED UPGRADES: This co-op wanted to electrify everything in order to comply with Local Law 97 and reduce fines. They also care about our environment and want to be part of the energy transition and reduce their building’s carbon footprint. They went through an energy audit which recommended measures such as roof insulation, electrifying heating and domestic hot water, adding solar panels to mitigate the electricity costs, and other ways to reduce energy usage. 

What problem was the resident having? The co-op currently has a very old gas boiler that needs replacement. Ideally, they would like to replace the gas boiler with electric domestic hot water heater and heat pumps for heating and cooling. The co-op also faces fines for carbon emissions through NYC’s Local Law 97. They need to retrofit their building in order to avoid fines.

Were they able to get funding for the problem? The co-op was able to get a loan through NYCEEC to cover roof insulation and solar panels, as well as to get into a pilot program that installs a partial electrification of domestic hot water system. However, they are unable to get fully electric heating and cooling because it would require an expensive upgrade to their electrical system that is not covered by the incentive programs. This building has slim margins and does not have the funds to cover the cost of the electrical wiring upgrades to go all electric.

Did the resident have health issues that were exacerbated by the housing issues? They hope to get rid of their gas boiler to improve the air quality in their building and in their neighborhood.

Were they able to fix the issue? If not, why? To upgrade the electrical wiring alone would cost roughly $800,000, which is prohibiting the building from going all-electric.