EmPower+

EmPower+ helps low- and moderate-income households save energy and money toward energy improvements made to their primary residence.

Apply Now to EmPower+

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 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.