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NYSERB
New York Energy Resource Bureau
An independent homeowner guide to NY energy incentives

EmPower+

Administered by: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Status: Active in 2026 Verified: May 22, 2026 against EmPower+ Program, NYSERDA

What it is

EmPower+ is NYSERDA's income-qualified energy program. It's the one that actually pays for equipment and improvements for households that can't afford them otherwise. If your income falls below the program's thresholds, you can get energy efficiency upgrades and clean energy equipment installed at no cost or significantly reduced cost.

The program also serves as New York's delivery mechanism for the federal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program, which launched in New York as of May 2026. That's significant because the HEAR program adds a separate layer of federal rebate money on top of what NYSERDA already provides. If you're income-qualified, EmPower+ is where you start; don't apply for HEAR separately.

NYSERDA updated EmPower+ application forms in June 2025, with materials available in 15 languages. The program is active and accepting applications.

The specific dollar amounts and improvement types you'll receive aren't published as a flat list. They're determined per-household based on income, home conditions, and what equipment your home needs. The application process includes a home assessment that drives the final scope.

Who qualifies

  • Low- and moderate-income New York households (income thresholds are determined during the application process; specific limits are not published statically on the program page)
  • New York State residents in existing homes
  • Applications available in: English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Burmese, Chinese, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Polish, Russian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Yiddish

Income eligibility is evaluated as part of the application. If you're unsure whether you qualify, apply or call NYSERDA directly. The program is designed for households that otherwise couldn't access these improvements.

What you get

The incentive amount is determined per-household via application, not published as a fixed figure. Improvements may include:

  • Heating and cooling equipment (heat pumps, heat pump water heaters)
  • Insulation and air sealing
  • Electrical panel upgrades needed to support clean energy equipment
  • Other energy efficiency measures identified during a home assessment

For the HEAR component (federal rebates administered through EmPower+), EnergySage (a secondary source, not NYSERDA directly) publishes these federal maximums by household income tier:

  • Low-income (below 80% of area median income): up to $8,000 for heat pump space heating/cooling; up to $1,750 for a heat pump water heater; additional amounts for insulation, panel upgrades, and wiring
  • Moderate-income (80% to 150% of area median income): up to $4,000 for heat pump space heating/cooling

The combined federal HEAR maximum across all eligible equipment is up to $14,000 per household. That figure is from EnergySage (updated May 6, 2026), which cites the federal HEAR statute and the NASEO state tracking page. It has not been independently confirmed from NYSERDA's own published figures. Treat it as a strong indicator, not a guarantee; the actual amount your household receives is determined through the EmPower+ application.

How to apply

  1. Download an application from nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/EmPower-Plus in your preferred language, or call 1-866-NYSERDA (1-866-697-3732) to apply by phone or get assistance.
  2. Submit the completed application. NYSERDA will contact you to schedule a home energy assessment.
  3. The assessment determines what improvements your home qualifies for and what the program will cover.
  4. NYSERDA coordinates the installation through participating contractors. You don't hire contractors separately.

Important dates

No published deadline as of May 22, 2026. Application forms were last updated June 2025. The program is funded on an ongoing basis, but income-eligible programs like this can have waitlists. Apply sooner rather than later.

Source

  • EmPower+ Program, NYSERDA (retrieved May 22, 2026)
  • NASEO State Tracking Page (confirmed NY listed as active HEAR state as of May 19, 2026)
  • EnergySage heat pump incentives page, energysage.com/heat-pumps/heat-pump-incentives/ (secondary source; HEAR dollar amounts cited above; updated May 6, 2026; not independently verified against NYSERDA primary source)

NYSERB.com is an independent research site. It is not affiliated with NYSERDA, the State of New York, or any utility. Verify all program details and incentive amounts directly with NYSERDA before making any financial decision.

Verified against www.nyserda.ny.gov, www.naseo.org on May 22, 2026.

More New York State (NYSERDA) to check

  • NY-Sun (NYSERDA Solar Program)NY-Sun is New York's main upfront solar incentive. Rebate amounts vary by utility territory. The state 25% solar tax credit (up to $5,000) stacks on top.
  • NYS Clean Heat / Heat Pump ProgramNYS Clean Heat pays up to $35,000 for geothermal and $10,000 for air-source heat pumps in Con Edison territory. Rebate amounts vary by utility. Contractor must be certified.
  • Comfort Home ProgramNYSERDA's Comfort Home pays $2,500 or $3,000 for insulation and air sealing packages. No income limit. Windows add-on available for $2,000 more.

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