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EmPower+ for New York: Free or Cheap Heat Pump Installation

By Sam Menard · August 17, 2026

EmPower+ is New York's best-kept secret. Low-income households get 100% heat pump cost coverage. This guide covers income limits, application process, and timeline.

The Gap: Why Most People Don't Know About EmPower+

EmPower+ is a Con Edison (NYC & Westchester) program that covers heat pump installation costs for low-income households. Full cost coverage up to $14,000. Zero out-of-pocket. But the program is buried in NYSERDA guides. Most people searching "heat pump rebates NYC" never find it.

This guide fixes that gap.

EmPower+ availability: Con Edison territory only (NYC and Westchester County). National Grid territories (upstate) do not have EmPower+. But upstate homeowners get state Clean Heat + federal HEAR stacking instead.

Who Qualifies for EmPower+?

EmPower+ has two income tiers. Both assume 2026 area median income (AMI) for NYC metro area. These are approximate—verify with Con Edison before applying.

Tier 1: 100% Cost Coverage (Free Heat Pump)

Income limit: Under 60% of area median income (AMI)

Your cost: $0 out-of-pocket for heat pump installation (up to $14K coverage)

Timeline: 2–4 weeks application approval + 1–2 weeks scheduling = 4–6 weeks total

Tier 2: 50% Cost Coverage (Split Cost)

Income limit: 60–80% of AMI

Your cost: ~$7,000–$7,500 out-of-pocket (50% of typical $14K–$15K system)

Timeline: Same as Tier 1, 4–6 weeks

Real EmPower+ Example

Brooklyn homeowner, single person, income $50,000/year:

How EmPower+ Compares to Regular Heat Pump Rebates

Regular rebate path (income $80K–$200K in NYC):

EmPower+ path (income under $55K single):

The trade-off: EmPower+ covers only one program (Con Edison). Regular rebates layer three programs but take longer and require more paperwork. For low-income households, EmPower+ is simpler and faster.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for EmPower+

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

You must have:

Step 2: Contact Con Edison or NYSERDA

Start here: Con Edison's EmPower+ page (search "EmPower+ heat pump NYC") or NYSERDA's EnergySmart page. Both will have application links and current income limits.

Step 3: Submit Application

You'll need:

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Timeline: 2–4 weeks for application review and approval

Step 5: Get Connected with Contractor

Con Edison or NYSERDA will give you a list of approved EmPower+ contractors. Pick one. Contractor will give a free estimate.

Step 6: Contractor Installs System

Timeline: 1–2 weeks scheduling + 1–3 days for actual installation

Step 7: Con Edison Processes Rebate

Contractor files paperwork. Con Edison processes and applies cost coverage as bill credit (Tier 1) or partial credit (Tier 2).

FAQ: EmPower+ in New York

Q: Can I get EmPower+ if I'm a renter?

A: Usually no. EmPower+ is designed for homeowners. Some income-qualified multifamily programs exist for buildings, but individual renters rarely qualify. Contact Con Edison to verify your specific situation.

Q: What if my income is exactly at the 60% AMI line?

A: Income limits have a grace period. Being slightly above the line doesn't disqualify you. Apply and provide documentation. Con Edison will make the final call.

Q: Can I combine EmPower+ with state Clean Heat or federal HEAR?

A: Generally no. EmPower+ is standalone. It's designed as a comprehensive solution for low-income households. If you choose EmPower+, you get full Con Edison coverage and don't layer on state/federal. If you prefer to maximize rebates, you can pursue the three-tier route (Con Ed + state + federal) instead, but that's more work and slower.

Q: How much does a heat pump cost in NYC, and does EmPower+ cover all of it?

A: A typical air-source heat pump costs $14,000–$18,000 installed in NYC (labor + equipment). EmPower+ covers up to $14,000. If your system is $18,000, you'd pay $4,000 out-of-pocket even on Tier 1. That said, most systems land in the $14K–$16K range, so coverage is usually sufficient or near-sufficient.

Q: Can I pick any contractor, or does it have to be an EmPower+ contractor?

A: Must be an approved EmPower+ contractor. Con Edison will provide a list. These are vetted, quality contractors. Don't try to use your own contractor—the rebate won't apply.

Q: How long is the waiting list?

A: In 2026, waiting times range 2–6 weeks from approval to contractor scheduling. Check Con Edison's site for current queue status. High-season (fall) may have longer waits.

EmPower+ vs. Federal HEAR: Which Should You Choose?

Federal HEAR (income under 80% AMI statewide):

EmPower+ (Con Edison territory only, income under 60–80% AMI):

Recommendation: If you're in Con Edison territory and qualify for EmPower+ Tier 1 (under 60% AMI), use EmPower+. It's simpler and faster. If you're over 60% AMI but under 80%, EmPower+ Tier 2 is still worth exploring. If you're in upstate National Grid or NYSEG territory, federal HEAR + state Clean Heat is your path.

Next step: Run our free assessment to check if you qualify for EmPower+ or regular rebate stacking. We'll tell you which path works best for your income and location.

Resources

Bottom Line

If you make under $55K (single) in NYC or Westchester, EmPower+ is free heat pump installation. No other program in the country offers that. Apply now. The 4–6 week timeline means you could have a system running before winter.