Who qualifies for EmPower+?
EmPower+ is for households that meet NYSERDA’s income limits, which depend on your county and how many people live with you. It covers owners and renters of one- to four-family homes, anywhere in the state — NYC, Westchester, Long Island, the Hudson Valley and upstate. If someone in your home already gets help like SNAP or HEAP, ask NYSERDA whether that fast-tracks your application.
How much does EmPower+ pay?
| Household | Upstate | Downstate |
|---|---|---|
| Low income | No cost, up to $12,000 | No cost, up to $14,000 |
| Moderate income | 50% of cost, up to $6,000 | 50% of cost, up to $7,000 |
These caps are per project and cover efficiency work like insulation and air sealing. NYSERDA also lists extra funding for heat pumps (for example $10,000 toward an air-source or ground-source heat pump through its Sustainable Futures funding) and $5,000 toward a heat pump water heater through HEAR — your contractor will confirm what your home qualifies for.
How EmPower+ fits with other New York rebates
- Utility heat pump rebate (NYS Clean Heat or PSEG Long Island): a separate program from your electric company. Clean Heat pays up to about $8,000–$12,000 depending on your utility; PSEG Long Island pays $4,000–$7,500.
- Federal HEAR and HOMES: delivered through EmPower+ and the Appliance Upgrade Program, not a separate application.
- Federal 25C and 25D tax credits: ended December 31, 2025.
- Comfort Home: NYSERDA’s insulation packages ($2,500–$3,000, +$2,000 for windows) for households that don’t qualify for EmPower+.
How to apply
- Check the income limits for your county on NYSERDA’s EmPower+ page.
- Apply online or by phone (1-866-NYSERDA). Renters will need their landlord’s OK for the work.
- A participating contractor does a free home energy assessment and lists the upgrades.
- The work is done; NYSERDA pays the contractor directly for the covered share.
Common questions
Who qualifies for EmPower+?
Income-eligible owners and renters of 1-4 family homes anywhere in New York State. Income limits depend on your county and household size; NYSERDA publishes the current limits.
How much does EmPower+ pay?
Low-income households get upgrades at no cost, up to $12,000 upstate or $14,000 downstate per project. Moderate-income households get 50% of the cost covered, up to $6,000 upstate or $7,000 downstate. Heat pumps can qualify for more through linked funding.
Is EmPower+ only for Con Edison customers?
No. EmPower+ is run by NYSERDA and is open statewide, including National Grid, NYSEG, RG&E, Central Hudson, O&R and PSEG Long Island areas.
Can I combine EmPower+ with the Con Edison or NYS Clean Heat rebate?
Often, yes - EmPower+ and your utility's heat pump rebate are separate programs, and NYSERDA coordinates with utility programs. Your EmPower+ contractor will tell you how the funding is split on your project.
Is there a separate federal HEAR rebate?
Not for most households. New York delivers the federal Home Energy Rebates (HEAR and HOMES) through EmPower+ and NYSERDA's Appliance Upgrade Program, so applying to EmPower+ is how you get it.
What to do next
Not sure you qualify? Look up your utility’s heat pump rebate first on your city page, then check EmPower+. When you’re ready, compare top-rated local installers, ranked by Google reviews — free for homeowners. Related: DAC eligibility guide, NYC rebates, Buffalo rebates.
Sources, checked September 26, 2026: NYSERDA EmPower+, NYSERDA HER/HEAR FAQ, NYS Clean Heat Program Manual v2, NYSERDA Comfort Home, IRS 25C.