NYSERDA EmPower+ Program
Get Up to $14,000 in No-Cost Home Energy Improvements
Are you a New York homeowner or business owner looking to cut energy costs while helping the environment? NYSERDA rebate programs make it easier than ever to upgrade your property with energy-efficient solutions. These incentives can slash your upfront costs and deliver long-term savings on utility bills. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about NYSERDA’s offerings, from available programs to application tips. Whether you’re eyeing a heat pump installation or solar panels, you’ll find actionable steps to get started. Programs are subject to change, so always check the official NYSERDA website for the latest details.
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What Is the NYSERDA+ EmPower Program?
The nyserda empower program is New York State’s flagship energy assistance initiative, managed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). It provides no-cost or heavily subsidized home energy upgrades to income-eligible New York residents.
The program was created to address two critical challenges:
- High energy burden on low-to-moderate income families
- Excessive greenhouse gas emissions from residential buildings (nearly 40% of NYC’s total emissions come from heating buildings and water)
Since its inception, the program has served thousands of New York families, with documented results showing households save an average of 357 kWh annually in electricity costs after improvements.
How the Program Has Helped New Yorkers
The data speaks for itself:
- 28,000+ projects completed in just the first 11 months of 2024
- $10+ million in total energy bill savings verified across participating households (2024)
- 357 kWh average annual electricity savings per home based on program evaluations
- $39.6 million in federal funding added through the Inflation Reduction Act in 2024
- Up to $14,000 in available incentives per qualifying household
These aren’t just numbers—they represent real families who now live in warmer, safer, more affordable homes.
Who Qualifies for the EmPower+ Program?
Income Eligibility
The Empower plus program serves both low-income and moderate-income households. You may qualify if your household income falls below 80% of the State or Area Median Income, OR if you participate in a utility payment assistance program.
2025 Income Guidelines (Low-Income Tier - 100% Coverage)
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $39,440 |
| 2 people | $51,720 |
| 3 people | $64,000 |
| 4 people | $76,280 |
| 5 people | $88,560 |
| 6+ people | Contact us for details |
Moderate-Income Tier (50% Coverage): Households earning between 60-80% of median income may qualify for 50% cost coverage on eligible improvements.
Additional Requirements
You must:
- Live in a 1-4 family home or apartment in New York State
- Pay your own utility bills (gas, electric, or oil)
- Be either a homeowner or renter (with landlord permission for certain upgrades)
- Have a utility provider that participates in the program
Start Saving Today
Ready to reduce your energy bills, upgrade your home, and claim thousands in rebates? We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process — from audit to incentive — and help you secure every dollar you deserve.
What Energy Upgrades Are Covered?
The empower+ program goes far beyond basic weatherization. It’s a comprehensive approach to making your home more energy-efficient, comfortable, and safe.
Who Qualifies for NYSERDA Rebates?
Eligibility ensures programs reach those who need them most, with options for all income levels.
- Attic Insulation: Proper attic insulation prevents up to 25% of heat loss in winter and keeps your home cooler in summer. An approved contractor installs blown-in fiberglass or cellulose insulation to recommended R-values.
Wall Insulation: Many older homes have little to no wall insulation. Contractors use advanced techniques like dense-pack cellulose or spray foam to insulate existing walls without major demolition.
Basement & Crawlspace Insulation: Stop cold floors and reduce heating costs by insulating your home’s foundation and rim joists.
Air leaks waste more energy than almost any other problem in your home. Our certified technicians use blower door tests to locate leaks, then seal them using:
- Weather stripping around doors and windows
- Caulking and foam for gaps and cracks
- Sealing around electrical outlets, pipes, and ducts
Heating & Cooling Upgrades
Replace old, inefficient equipment with ENERGY STAR® certified systems:
- High-efficiency furnaces and boilers
- Heat pump systems for both heating and cooling
- Heat pump water heaters that use 60% less energy than standard electric models
- Central air conditioning upgrades
- Ductwork repairs and sealing
Health & Safety Repairs
Problems Addressed:
- Carbon monoxide hazards
- Combustion air problems
- Ventilation issues
- Moisture and mold concerns
- Fire safety problems
All improvements must meet strict safety standards before any work begins.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Based on official NYSERDA program evaluations, here’s what real participants have experienced:
Energy Savings:
- Average 357 kWh reduction in annual electricity consumption
- 20-40% reduction in overall utility bills (depending on home condition and improvements installed)
- Immediate comfort improvements in previously drafty or uncomfortable rooms
Financial Value:
- Zero upfront cost for qualified low-income households
- 50% cost coverage for moderate-income households
- Federal tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act
- Combined value often exceeds $14,000 per home
Example: A family of four earning $70,000/year with high heating costs might receive:
- $8,000 in insulation and air sealing
- $4,500 for a new heat pump system
- $1,200 in electrical upgrades
- $300 in direct install measures
- Total value: $14,000 (100% covered)
How to Apply: The Simple 5-Step Process
Step 1: Free Energy Assessment (No Obligation)
Every journey starts with understanding your home’s current condition. NYSERDA provides a comprehensive no-cost energy assessment that includes:
- Room-by-room inspection
- Blower door test to identify air leaks
- Insulation depth measurements
- Heating/cooling system evaluation
- Combustion safety testing
- Identification of immediate safety concerns
Timeline: 2-3 hours for most homes
Step 2: Eligibility Verification & Custom Plan
Based on your assessment and household income, we:
- Confirm your eligibility for the nyserda empower program
- Determine which incentive tier you qualify for (low-income or moderate-income)
- Create a prioritized list of recommended improvements
- Provide clear explanations of what will be done and why
- Show you exactly how much you’ll save
Timeline: Results typically provided the same day
Start Saving Today
Ready to reduce your energy bills, upgrade your home, and claim thousands in rebates? We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process — from audit to incentive — and help you secure every dollar you deserve.
Step 3: Application Submission
This includes:
- Completing the nyserda empower application
- Gathering required income documentation
- Coordinating utility account information
- Submitting all forms to NYSERDA
- Following up on application status
You provide: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of utility assistance program participation
Timeline: 1-2 weeks for approval in most cases
Step 4: Installation of Improvements
Once approved, our certified installation team:
- Schedules work at your convenience
- Completes all approved upgrades professionally
- Maintains a clean, organized work site
- Explains everything we’re doing
- Addresses any concerns immediately
Timeline: 1-5 days depending on scope of work
Step 5: Final Inspection & Verification
- Post-installation testing and verification
- Final walk-through with you
- Documentation of all completed work
- Submission of completion paperwork to NYSERDA
- Processing of all eligible rebates and incentives
Timeline: Completed within 1 week of installation
Additional Rebates & Incentives
The Empower+ program is just the beginning, You can identify and combin multiple incentive programs to maximize your savings.
- Con Edison: Additional rebates for customers in NYC and Westchester
- National Grid: Heat pump and insulation incentives
- NYSEG/RG&E: Equipment upgrade rebates
- PSEG Long Island: Energy efficiency incentives
- Central Hudson: Heating system rebates
- Orange & Rockland: Weatherization bonuses
Federal Tax Credits (Inflation Reduction Act)
- 30% tax credit on qualified energy improvements
- Additional credits for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters
- Tax credits for electrical panel upgrades
- No income limits on federal credits