Free home energy upgrades for income-eligible New Yorkers — up to $10,000 at no cost to you
Apply for EmPower+ NowEmPower+ is a program 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 homeowners and renters across New York State.
Through EmPower+, qualifying households receive a free home energy assessment and can have energy-saving improvements installed at little to no cost — including insulation, air sealing, heat pump water heaters, LED lighting, and more.
As an authorized EmPower+ contractor, Energy Efficiency Experts handles your application, schedules the work, and ensures you receive the maximum benefit you qualify for. You don't navigate the program alone — we guide you every step of the way.
If you receive any of the government assistance programs listed below, you automatically qualify for EmPower+. No income verification, no tax returns, no pay stubs — just a copy of your current award letter.
Even without SNAP or HEAP, you may qualify based on household income alone
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $39,864 |
| 2 people | $52,140 |
| 3 people | $64,404 |
| 4 people | $76,680 |
| 5 people | $88,944 |
| 6 people | $101,208 |
| 7+ people | Contact us to check |
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $53,152 |
| 2 people | $69,520 |
| 3 people | $85,872 |
| 4 people | $102,240 |
| 5 people | $118,592 |
| 6+ people | Contact us to check |
⚠️ Income limits are based on New York State Median Income and may vary slightly by county. Contact us for a precise eligibility check for your area.
Upgrades are determined after a free home energy assessment — here's what's available through the program
A certified auditor visits your home and identifies exactly where you're losing energy. Completely free.
Proper insulation keeps heat in during winter and cool air in during summer — major impact on bills.
Sealing gaps and drafts throughout the home stops energy waste and improves comfort year-round.
Highly efficient water heaters worth $2,100–$5,000 — covered under EmPower+ for eligible homes.
Energy-efficient LED bulbs and fixtures installed throughout your home to cut lighting costs.
Electrical service and wiring upgrades needed to support modern energy-efficient equipment.
Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety upgrades included as needed.
You don't have to own your home to take advantage of EmPower+. The program is open to both owners and renters of 1–4 family homes — as long as the property is your primary residence.
Physical improvements do require your landlord's written permission, but we provide the consent form — a simple one-page document your landlord signs. Many landlords are happy to participate since the upgrades increase the property's value at no cost to them.
You don't need to navigate NYSERDA's portal alone. We manage your application from start to finish.
Call or fill out our form. We confirm your eligibility in minutes — no commitment needed.
We file your EmPower+ application with NYSERDA and gather any required documents on your behalf.
A certified auditor visits your home to identify which improvements qualify for funding.
Our certified technicians complete the approved work. You pay nothing (or your share for moderate-income).
Enjoy lower energy bills and a more comfortable home — month after month.
Energy Efficiency Experts provides EmPower+ services across the greater New York metro area and Hudson Valley region. If your county is listed below, we can help you apply and qualify.
Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call — we'll let you know right away.
Not in our area?
Contact NYSERDA directly at
1-866-NYSERDA
to find an authorized contractor near you.
The most common questions about EmPower+ — answered simply
No. Both homeowners and renters of 1–4 family homes can qualify for EmPower+, as long as it is your primary residence. Renters need written landlord permission for physical improvements to the property — we provide the consent form for your landlord to sign.
Yes. If you currently receive SNAP (Food Stamps), HEAP, TANF, or SSI, you automatically qualify for the EmPower+ program's lower-income tier — which covers up to $10,000 at zero cost to you. The only document you need is your full award letter dated within the last 12 months. No tax returns or pay stubs required.
You can request a copy of your award letter from your local DSS (Department of Social Services) office or the agency that manages your benefits. If you don't receive any qualifying benefits, we'll verify eligibility using income documentation such as recent pay stubs (4 consecutive weeks) or a Social Security award letter.
From initial application to completed upgrades, the process typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on your area and the scope of work. We keep you updated at every stage and handle scheduling directly with NYSERDA on your behalf.
Yes — EmPower+ can be stacked with additional incentives, including the federal Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program under the Inflation Reduction Act, and utility company rebates from providers like National Grid, Con Edison, and NYSEG. In some cases, total assistance can reach up to $24,000.
EmPower+ works with most major New York utilities including National Grid, NYSEG, Central Hudson, Con Edison, RG&E, Orange & Rockland, and others. Your home must be a customer of a qualified utility provider to participate. Contact us and we'll confirm your utility qualifies.
No. For lower-income eligible households, the program is completely free — $0 out of pocket. For moderate-income households, you pay up to 50% of costs (capped at $5,000 maximum). We will always clearly explain your share, if any, before a single piece of work begins. No surprises.
There's no obligation and no pressure. Contact us today and we'll check your eligibility, explain your options, and handle the rest.