EmPower+
EmPower+ helps low- and moderate-income households save energy and money toward energy improvements made to their primary residence.
Through EmPower+, eligible New Yorkers can receive:
- No-cost comprehensive home energy assessments to pinpoint where energy and dollars are being wasted and receive a customized plan to lower energy usage.
- No-cost direct install improvements identified during the assessment can be installed by participating program contractors.
- Funding toward the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical service and wiring upgrades.
The program is open to income-eligible owners and renters of one- to four-family households. For assistance in applying and navigating home energy upgrades, connect with your Regional Clean Energy Hub.
Available Incentives and Energy Efficiency Improvements
EmPower+ incentives are based on household income eligibility and the types of energy efficiency improvements included in a project.
- Low-income, single-family households are eligible for no-cost energy efficiency improvements capped at $10,000 per project.
- Moderate-income single-family households are eligible for no-cost energy efficiency improvements capped at $5,000 per project.
This funding can cover a range of upgrades, with prioritization for core energy efficiency improvements, including insulation, air sealing, health and safety items, and replacement of inefficient refrigerator/freezer units. For homes that have air sealing and insulation completed, contractors can make recommendations to upgrade heating and cooling equipment through EmPower+.
Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR) funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) recently expanded the incentives that income-eligible New Yorkers can receive through EmPower+ program to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. This funding is in addition to the incentive amounts listed above.
The total HEAR incentive amount a household is eligible to receive is based on the combination of energy efficiency improvements. The maximum incentive limits per improvement are as follows:
- Air sealing, insulation, and ventilation: $1,600
- Electrical service upgrade (panel box): $4,000
- Electrical wiring upgrade: $2,500
- Heat pump water heaters: $1,750
- Heat pumps: $8,000
EmPower+ contractors can help determine necessary improvements and what households are eligible for during the home energy assessment and prior to starting the project.
To fill any home energy upgrade funding gaps, customers can apply for low-interest financing through NYSERDA’s Residential Financing programs and explore qualifying IRA tax credits.
Get Started
-
EmPower+ Application
Set up an account and apply online for a no-cost home energy assessment and incentives toward your home energy upgrades.
-
Renters and 2-4 Family Households
Learn about incentive amounts and eligibility for renters and owners of two- to four-family properties.
-
Eligibility Guidelines
Determine if you meet income eligibility guidelines based on your county and household size.
-
EmPower+ Contractors
Explore participating EmPower+ contractors in your area.
-
What to Expect
After applying, find out what to expect for next steps and during a home energy assessment.
-
EmPower+ FAQs
Get answers to common questions about program eligibility, eligible energy efficiency improvements, and more.
Get Support and Assistance
New Yorkers can contact 866-NYSERDA for assistance completing the EmPower+ application.
In addition to EmPower+, New Yorkers may be eligible for other financial incentives and offerings. Explores the resources below to find out what programs and assistance you qualify for.
-
Regional Clean Energy Hubs
Access resources and assistance to apply for a no-cost home energy assessment, explore program offerings, find qualified contractors, and make informed energy decisions.
-
NY Energy Advisor
Income-eligible residents and affordable housing owners can receive a customized list of energy-related assistance programs to help pay energy bills and make energy upgrades.