In Part 4 of this series, we turn to a real-world example of a rebate program that brings contractor-friendly program design principles to life: the Home Insulation and Air Sealing Program (HIASP) in New York.
Launched by NYSEG and RG&E in late 2024, this program is already showing how a thoughtful blend of flexible program pathways, performance-based rebates, and streamlined contractor participation can accelerate energy efficiency at scale, without compromising quality.
Explore other pieces in this series:
- Part 1: How Small Design Choices Make or Break Participation in Home Energy Rebate Programs
- Part 2: Incentives Matter: What You Incentivize Is What You Get
- Part 3: Why Program Design Matters for Contractor Participation
A Clear Price Signal: Deliver More Savings, Earn More Incentives
A core feature of the HIASP Program is that it offers multiple program pathways: a deemed pathway and a measured pathway. Every qualifying weatherization project is eligible to receive a flat $2,000 rebate through the deemed pathway, covering core measures like whole-home air sealing and insulation.
But if a customer chooses the measured savings pathway — and the project achieves higher verified energy savings — the homeowner can receive a larger rebate. By pairing a simple baseline rebate with the opportunity to earn more for deeper savings, HIASP sends a clear price signal: do quality work, deliver real savings, and get rewarded.
Furthermore, because accountability in the measured pathway is based on actual energy savings rather than extensive inputs, contractor data collection requirements are streamlined. Most contractors Sealed works with spend 10 minutes or less gathering the information needed to qualify a customer. This simplicity is a significant breakthrough — it makes performance-based programs not only more accurate, but practical to implement at scale.
One HIASP contractor stated: “I love the way HIASP plays out at the kitchen…it just makes selling projects so much easier. Customers are guaranteed a $2,000 rebate, and they like having a performance-based option to get a higher rebate with higher savings.”
Many customers are opting for the measured pathway with minimal friction in accessing their energy usage data. In fact, about 70% of HIASP projects successfully had their utility data connected, enabling the project’s energy savings to be measured. In turn, contractors appreciate that they get predictable, performance-based payments without mountains of paperwork, and homeowners see bigger benefits for bigger results.
The program has seen significant success, with over 50% of the contractor market participating in the program, showcasing broad industry involvement. The program has also experienced three consecutive quarters of sustained submission growth, with volume more than doubling each quarter, which indicates a strong upward trajectory in participation. As a result, the program is on track to install several hundred projects per year, putting it on par with other mature weatherization programs in New York, despite operating in a smaller geographic area.
Multiple Program Enrollment Pathways Maximize Participation
The HIASP Program also offers two program enrollment pathways. Contractors can choose to handle projects directly or partner with an aggregator, which manages measurement, data collection, rebate processing, and payment on their behalf. This dual-pathway structure makes participation practical for a wide range of contractors.
The aggregator pathway is especially valuable for contractors who do not typically participate in rebate programs or smaller firms that don’t have the resources to manage rebate applications in-house.
As one HIASP contractor noted: “Each homeowner received our full attention without the burden of checking boxes for another agency. We have been able to hire additional installers while not having to drain our administrative staff with needless paperwork.”
Why HIASP Works
HIASP is working because it was designed with contractor needs in mind. Its flexible participation options and dual rebate structure make it adaptable to a wide range of business models and capacity levels. Perhaps most impressively, the program launched in under three months — without the need for custom software or complex implementation infrastructure — proving that thoughtful design can move fast and still deliver real results.
According to a HIASP contractor: “I’ve been working in the Home Performance industry for 20 years, and I’ve tried most program variations & tools. The HIASP program…is amongst the most efficient and invites new ways to process projects. From start to finish, it is hands down the most consumer- and contractor-friendly interface we currently work with.”
HIASP shows that a well-designed performance-based model can unlock deeper savings, real accountability, and scalable participation. Programs can follow HIASP’s lead by creating flexible enrollment pathways to:
- Empower contractors to deliver tailored, high savings projects
- Reach the homes with the greatest savings potential
- Streamline contractor participation by cutting administrative burden
- Ensure rebate dollars deliver real, verified savings
HIASP is not just a successful pilot — it’s a roadmap for programs looking to scale energy efficiency while being more accessible and effective.