Home Upgrade Grants Archives - Mid-Hudson Energy Transition

Mayor Noble Announces Community Solar Program

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that the City of Kingston is partnering with local non-profit Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET) to bring affordable, renewable energy to residents with Kingston Community Solar, a new initiative that allows residents to subscribe to a local solar farm and receive utility bill credits.

With Kingston Community Solar, project, a collaboration of MHET and PowerMarket, income-eligible participants can save up to 20% monthly on electricity, with no upfront cost, long-term contracts, or maintenance required and without the need to install solar panels.

“This is exactly the kind of innovative, community-driven solution we’ve been working toward,” said Mayor Noble. “Kingston has long been a leader in sustainability, and this partnership ensures that the benefits of clean energy are reaching the families who need them most. It’s a win for our residents and for our planet.”

Kingston Community Solar prioritizes income-eligible households to join a shared renewable solar project, which pumps clean energy into the local power grid. Participants continue to receive electricity from Central Hudson and, as the solar project produces clean energy, receive credit on monthly electric bills.

“Families are getting crushed by skyrocketing electricity bills and a fossil fuel system that puts profit over people,” said Jasmine Graham, Executive Director of MHET. “Kingston Community Solar gives our community a real solution—lower bills, cleaner energy, and long-term relief. It’s one of the few ways people can consistently save money for decades while helping to move us off dirty energy. We’re so grateful to the City of Kingston for stepping up and making this possible.”

Enrollment is now open to Central Hudson customers. More information and registration can be found here.

The City of Kingston is a leader in efforts to create a more energy-efficient and sustainable community. Kingston has taken a comprehensive approach to building a city that is equipped to meet modern challenges and embrace 21st century opportunities. The Sustainability Office manages the City’s environmental projects, initiatives, and programming, including energy, land use, climate adaptation and resiliency, transportation, recycling and environmental education. Current projects include Community Choice Aggregation, Organics Diversion, Community Preservation Planning, Waterfront Flooding Resiliency, Building Decarbonization and more. More information about the City of Kingston’s sustainability efforts at https://kingston-ny.gov/sustainability.

What the Energy Transition Really Looks Like

By Jasmine Graham

When people hear “energy transition,” they usually think solar panels, heat pumps, electric cars. But if you ask the folks doing the work on the ground — installing those panels, upgrading those homes, sitting at kitchen tables explaining it all — the story sounds a little different. It looks like this:

An 80-year-old homeowner heating their house with the oven because the boiler broke and there’s no money to fix it.
A single mom whose deadbolt froze over during a cold snap in the winter because she was using space heaters that couldn’t keep up with the freezing temperatures.
A renter who’s scared to tell their landlord the stove is broken because they’re worried the “fix” will come with a rent increase.
A working mom who can’t believe, after everything, that someone is actually offering her a new heat pump water heater for free.

We’ve been out here doing the work. And if there’s one thing I can tell you, it’s this: The transition isn’t technical. It’s personal.

Here’s some of what we’re learning, and re-learning, every day:

1. Repair is the real work.

You can’t electrify a home if the roof leaks, if the wiring’s shot, or if the foundation’s cracked. We can’t skip the basics. If we don’t fund repairs, we’re locking people out. Period. Here in New York, advocates have been pushing for the GAP Fund for exactly this reason: to make sure basic health and safety issues don’t become invisible barriers to clean energy upgrades.

2. Trust is everything.

People are tired. They’ve been promised help before. They’ve seen programs start and stop. The most important thing we do isn’t installing anything. It’s showing up, over and over, until people believe it’s real. No amount of technology can replace the work of rebuilding trust.

3. Free isn’t enough.

It doesn’t matter if it’s free if it’s too complicated to sign up, if the paperwork feels like a trap, or if people are afraid it will get them evicted. Affordability matters. But accessibility decides whether people can actually participate.

None of this is new.

Frontline communities have been saying it for a long time. But if we are serious about an energy transition that works for everybody, we have to meet people where they are, not where we wish they were.

That means funding basic repairs alongside clean energy upgrades. It means designing programs that are simple, clear, and protective of tenants and vulnerable homeowners. It means centering trust and relationships, not just transactions.

These aren’t side issues. They are the core of whether the transition reaches the people it’s supposed to serve.

At Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, we are learning these lessons every day by working directly with families, tenants, and homeowners. And we’re seeing clearly how much of the clean energy future depends not just on what we build, but how we build it — and who we build it with.

The work is slower, harder, and more complicated than a lot of headlines make it seem. But staying focused on people, not just on projects, is the only way this transition will be real.

That’s the work in front of us. And that’s the work we’re committed to doing.

Learn more about me at www.jasminecgraham.com.

No Perfect Homes, No Perfect Programs – Just Real People Trying to Stay Warm

Elisabeth Balachova | 4/21/2025

Try explaining to a neighbor why their drafty attic doesn’t qualify for help.

Or why they received just enough funding to insulate their attic– but now have to wait an entire year to finish the entire house.

Or why, despite struggling to pay their utility bills, they don’t qualify as “low-income” under the state’s rules.

We have those conversations every day at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET). And while we’re grateful for programs like NYSERDA’s EmPower+, which has unlocked life-changing funding for families across the region, we also know that good intentions don’t always translate to accessible systems. The reality on the ground is complicated. And so is getting an old house ready for a climate-resilient future.

Let’s rewind a little bit.

Through our Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) program, we help low- and moderate-income homeowners access energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, and water heater replacements. Our goal is to make Kingston homes healthier, safer, and more affordable to heat and cool. One of the most powerful tools we use is NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program. When it works, it really works: We’ve seen households unlock up to $20,000 in improvements over multiple phases of work.

But many homes in Kingston and the Hudson Valley are older than the programs designed to upgrade them. They need multiple rounds of support – and many homeowners fall into a gray area where they earn too much to qualify for “low-income” tiers, but not enough to cover the out-of-pocket costs of energy improvements. These “moderate-income” families currently receive just $5,000 in EmPower+ incentives. That might cover a portion of the attic insulation but not the basement, the air sealing, or the critical repairs needed before weatherization work can even begin.

To bridge that gap, MHET has been stepping in with flexible funding from other sources. But we’re a small nonprofit. And for every household we help, there are more waiting for answers in their drafty homes.

A recent change to EmPower+ added a new barrier: a one-year waiting period before a household can reapply for additional funding. That means someone who completes phase one of their upgrades now has to wait a full year to continue the work. Even if their home is still losing heat, wasting energy, or failing to meet the standards required for heat pump installation.

And here’s the catch: New York State has set an ambitious goal of 2 million heat pump installations by 2030. What they don’t tell you, is that you can’t install a heat pump in a leaky house. The building envelope needs to be sealed first, but all the red tape surrounding these programs prevents homeowners from moving forward and electrifying their homes.

We can’t ignore the mismatch between how programs are structured and how real people live. At MHET, our job is to make the system work better for those who need it most. Not by reinventing it, but by connecting the dots.

That’s what we do best:
→ We help homeowners navigate a maze of paperwork and policy.
→ We coordinate with contractors and state agencies.
→ We advocate quietly (and sometimes loudly) for practical fixes to flawed systems.
→ And when necessary, we fund the gap ourselves.

Behind every application is a person. Behind every leaky attic is a story. And behind every program is an opportunity to do better.

So if you’re a homeowner wondering how to start, or have already hit a roadblock, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with our team and let’s figure it out together.

And if you believe that no one should have to choose between heat and groceries, or between eligibility and equity, donate to MHET. Your support helps us do what bureaucracy can’t: meet people where they are.

Let’s keep pushing for programs that reflect real life. And in the meantime, let’s keep showing up for each other.

Turning up the Heat!

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET), in partnership with the City of Kingston, is proud to announce the first installation of an induction stove as part of their 2025 Energy Efficiency Campaign. This campaign is designed to help income-eligible Kingston residents improve their home’s energy efficiency and live healthier lives—all at no cost to them.

MHET met with Kingston Mayor, Steve Noble, as local Kingston contractor, Hot Water Solutions (HWS), installed an induction stove in Kingston homeowner Kofi Boundy’s house on March 3, 2025. Boundy was awarded a state of the art Energy Star induction stove and a set of compatible cookware, becoming the first of several residents MHET plans to equip with these appliances.

This initiative is funded by the City of Kingston’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. With a total budget of $250,000, MHET is aiming to help as many households as possible. Throughout 2025, MHET will be distributing induction stoves, heat pump water heaters, and portable heat pumps to income-eligible homeowners.

“The overwhelming amount of interest we have received in this program proves just how much Kingston residents want practical, affordable solutions for healthier, more energy-efficient homes,” said Jasmine Graham, Executive Director at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition. “With this first installation, we’re not just swapping out an old stove—we’re setting a new standard for what’s possible. Families shouldn’t have to choose between safe, modern appliances and their monthly bills. We’re making real, practical improvements in their homes—at no cost to them—and we’re just getting started.”

Mayor Steve Noble expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are so pleased to support this important initiative with American Rescue Plan Act funding, and help residents in Kingston transition to more energy-efficient appliances and away from natural gas. It is gratifying to see the first installation into a home, and to help this family save money on utility bills, create a safer home environment, and move toward a more sustainable future.”

Boundy was elated with the efficiency of the installation and the ease of the application process. “I am super appreciative, thank you, Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, for making this happen! I’m excited to get a meal in here tonight!”

This program is open to low- and moderate-income (LMI) households in Kingston and households with seniors or young children, residents facing high energy bills or utility debt, and renters who pay their own utility bills (need landlord approval) are especially encouraged to apply.

To see if you are eligible, please complete MHET’s interest form. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all appliances have been matched with eligible residents. Although those interested in induction stoves will be added to a waitlist, residents are encouraged to express their interest in Heat Pump Water Heaters and Portable Heat Pumps in advance of their availability. Interest forms can be found here.

Candita Shares Her Story

Candita, a recipient of one of our Home Upgrade Grants (HUG), shares her experience with our program—one of many reminders of how critical home repairs are for our neighbors.

Too often, families in our community are left struggling with the high costs of maintaining a safe and livable home. No one should have to endure freezing winters, poor air quality, or hazardous living conditions simply because home repairs are out of reach.

Candita joined the HUG program hoping to winterize her home. After contractors helped with insulation, she not only experienced a warmer home but also noticed improved air circulation and a significant reduction in the mold smell that had been lingering in her basement.

Her story is one of many that highlight the urgent need for programs like HUG. MHET is working hard to ensure families can live in safe, healthy homes and that Kingston remains a place where residents don’t have to choose between everyday expenses and essential home repairs.

If you or someone you know is looking to make home upgrades like weatherization, insulation, asbestos removal, or mold remediation, visit our Home Upgrade Grant Page to learn more about the program and submit your interest.

From Space Heaters to Heat Pumps

Anne had been relying on small space heaters for two winters after her fossil heating system broke and state programs were unwilling to assist.

While she received some funding for insulation through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Anne could not get assistance for a new heating source because of strict building envelope requirements.

Thanks to our Home Upgrade Grants, we were able to heat Anne’s home this winter with brand new, top of the line, all-electric cold climate heat pumps! Partnering with amazing local Kingston contractor, HWS, we installed two air source heat pumps, one on each floor, so she no longer relies on space heaters, fossil fuels, OR window units for their HVAC needs. Watch her testimonial video below.

Kicking Natural Gas to the Curb

Get a behind the scenes look at our first install of 2025!

Thanks to our Home Upgrade Grants, we were able to heat this home this winter with brand new, top of the line, all-electric cold climate heat pumps! Partnering with amazing local Kingston contractor, HWS, we installed two air source heat pumps, one on each floor, so this homeowner no longer relies on space heaters, fossil fuels, OR window units for their HVAC needs.

Diana, a HUG Recipient, Shares Her Experience on the Program

MHET’s Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) Program is transforming the way health and safety upgrades are made to homes. This program provides participants with free wrap-around technical assistance, ensuring that each step of the process is smooth and stress-free.

Diana, a recent HUG recipient, discovered the program when she was seeking ways to make her home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Like many homeowners, she faced challenges with keeping her home warm in the winter and reducing energy costs. When she heard about the opportunity to receive free home upgrades, she jumped at the chance to learn more.

Through the HUG program, Diana received a free home energy assessment, which allowed MHET and its partner contractor to identify areas in her home that could benefit from energy efficiency improvements. The assessment revealed that insulation was the key to making Diana’s home warmer and more cost-effective.

Diana shared how impressed she was with the process:

“The contractors were really nice! They explained the process, they were very clean. I can already feel the difference!”

Thanks to the HUG program and its partnership with NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program, Diana was able to complete the insulation work at no cost. Now, her home is warmer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient—saving her money in the long run.

Santiago, a HUG Recipient, Shares His Experience on the Program

MHET’s Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) Program is revolutionizing the way that health and safety upgrades are made. The HUG program provides free wrap-around technical assistance to its participants so that each step of the process is as smooth as possible.

Santiago, a recent HUG recipient, came to MHET through a friend. Like many homeowners, Santiago wanted to make changes to his house but time and financing were preventing him from starting these projects. He was having some trouble keeping his house warm in the winter and cool in the summer so when he heard that there was an opportunity to make free improvements to his house, he wanted to learn more.

Santiago received a free home energy assessment which provided MHET and the partner contractor key insights into where Santiago’s home could benefit from energy efficiency upgrades. The contractor created a customized project plan for Santiago and from there, MHET helped Santiago apply for NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program, a state government agency that helps to provide home energy efficiency improvements. Thanks to MHET and EmPower+, Santiago was able to fully fund his project plan and complete the necessary work to make his home more energy efficient and comfortable! He recently shared his experience in a video message to MHET:

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition helped me get some work done at my house. The contractors were amazing, they were very knowledgeable and they took really good care of the house. So I’m very happy with the program and I recommend it to anyone who needs help with insulation or saving energy.

If you or someone you know is looking to make home upgrades such as weatherization, insulation, asbestos removal, moisture and mold remediation, visit our Home Upgrade Grant Page to learn more about our program and submit your interest.

Lessons We’ve Learned from our HUG Program

Our Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) Program has already made a significant impact since launching in March of 2024. We received interest forms from 80 individuals. From those, 13 received a free home assessment, 3 projects were fully funded by NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program, and 4 received Home Upgrade Grants. Together, over $90,000 in grant funding has been distributed to Kingston families!

We are a one-stop-shop that guides our program participants through every step of the process. From reviewing energy bills, applying for government incentives, coordinating with the contractors, and answering all questions in between, we ensure our participants are supported, feel heard and are advocated for.

Some of the common health and safety upgrades that we are seeing while at the home assessments are insulation installation, bath fan replacements, air sealing, and domestic hot water pipe installation. These improvements can make drastic changes to a household and some participants have already noticed a difference in their home!

One Home Upgrade Grant recipient recently shared their thoughts on the HUG process:

He used two AC units at full blast to cool the home before. He is now using one AC unit at half capacity and this keeps the whole home cool. It is true today was not one of the hottest days, but this is a very notable change in energy use for the home.

If you are looking to make upgrades to your home, lower your energy bill, or just get started with a free home assessment, submit your interest using the link below and we will reach out to you as soon as possible.