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Cornell University

Energy & Climate Change

Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins

Lansing Non-Pipes Alternatives

Did you know that residents of Lansing, NY are able to save even more money if they choose to install heat pumps to heat and cool homes?

As of the Fall of 2022, a specific program was to help homeowners in Lansing upgrade to heat pumps.

NYSEG’s Non-Pipes Alternatives (NPA) Program was developed to help resolve gas reliability issues and support the energy needs of Lansing residents and businesses. Seeking cost-effective, market-based solutions with high potential for acceptance, NYSEG selected a portfolio of seven NPA projects that support Lansing residents and businesses to reduce gas use and convert from gas to beneficial electrification of their buildings through conversion to heat pumps. This is a completely voluntary program that offers additional incentives—on top of those available to everyone statewide—for Lansing (and nearby) residents and business owners interested in making the upgrade.

The suite of NPA projects is expected to improve the low-pressure situation by supporting interested Lansing residents and businesses to make the conversion to electric space and water heating and cooking, thereby decreasing the demand for gas and restoring safe pressure levels to the pipeline.

Ultimately, the success of the NPA program translates to saving millions of dollars by avoiding the construction of a larger pipeline and, additionally, showcases Lansing as a leader in the global transition away from fossil fuels. The focus of the NPA incentive is to support residents and business owners who want to convert their heating systems to heat pumps, which efficiently provide both space heating and cooling through the same equipment.

A zone map of the Lansing boosted incentive areas. It is tiny and low-resolution.The map on the left illustrates the zones within which homes and business are eligible for the additional Lansing NPA incentives. Please note, people near Lansing (in Zone 2 and 3) are eligible for 40% and 10%, respectively, of the offered Lansing NPA incentive!

The sample proposal to the left demonstrates how the available incentives and rebates are stackable and can reduce overall costs by up to 75%!

Earth Sensitive Solutions is leading a community campaign to provide free home energy assessments and connect homeowners with partner contractors to reduce energy use through home improvements such as additional insulation, air-sealing, and conversion to heat pumps.

Interested in learning more?

Contact Agnes Guillo, Community Educator leading this project, at aeg247@cornell.edu or 607-272-2292 x148, or visit Earth Sensitive Solutions at www.earthsensitive.com.

An screenshot showing the cost and savings of replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump, using enhanced incentives from NYSEG, paired with Federal and State tax credits. To replace a 4 Ton Geothermal Pump (more expensive but more efficient than an air source heat pump) costs $48,000 upfront but after NYSEG, State, and Federal rebates and credits, the cost is reduced to $11,415 or $81.55 a month.