In January, our expert panel and advocates joined us for the “The GAP Fund: Bridging the Equity Gap in Home Energy Efficiency” Teach-In. We’re energized by the important conversations and engagement around ensuring all New Yorkers—especially low- and moderate-income households—can access home energy upgrades that improve health, lower costs, and support an equitable clean energy transition.

In New York, many low- and moderate-income households face financial and structural barriers that prevent them from accessing home energy efficiency upgrades. Outdated wiring, insulation issues, and other health and safety hazards can disqualify homes from participating in existing clean energy programs. These barriers leave vulnerable communities with high energy bills, inefficient homes, and unsafe living conditions. To address this issue, legislators have introduced the GAP Fund (S8535 González/A9170 Kelles), a funding mechanism designed to eliminate these pre-electrification barriers and ensure equitable access to clean energy solutions.

Since its introduction, advocates have highlighted the GAP Fund’s potential to support economy-wide decarbonization, improve indoor air quality, and lower energy costs for New Yorkers who need it most. However, despite its importance, the GAP Fund is not currently included in the state budget, making advocacy efforts essential to securing funding. The fund would provide critical financial support for necessary home repairs, ensuring that more households can transition to cleaner, healthier, and more affordable energy solutions.

Missed the event? No problem. You can still access the recording of the teach-in, and you can check out the presenters’ slides here.

Featured speakers were:

•  Assemblymember Anna Kelles – Lead Sponsor of the GAP Fund Legislation
•  Senator Kristen Gonzalez – Co-sponsor of the GAP Fund Legislation
•  Jasmine Graham – Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Energy Transition
• Avni Pravin – Deputy Director, Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE)
• Matt Dennis – Heat Pump & Weatherization Expert, Halco Energy
• Annie Carforo – Climate Justice Campaigns Manager, WE-ACT for Environmental Justice