The Sustainable Futures Program

The Sustainable Futures Program (SFP) is New York State's new fund for home electrification — created in the recent state budget and delivered through the NYSERDA EmPower+ program. It provides up to $22,500 in additional incentives for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electrical panels, and wiring — stacked directly on top of your EmPower+ benefits.

Sustainable Futures replaces the federal IRA/HEAR rebates previously used for these upgrades — and the new incentive amounts are higher, with the same amounts for both low- and moderate-income households.

At Energy Efficiency Experts, we help qualifying households access Sustainable Futures incentives alongside EmPower+ benefits — so you maximize every dollar available to you at no cost.

NYS Sustainable Futures Program

Home Electrification Incentives
Funded by New York State

$22,500

Maximum additional incentives per household — stacked on top of EmPower+

Available to both low-income and moderate-income EmPower+ participants — unlike the old federal rebates, the incentive amounts are the same for everyone who qualifies. We confirm your eligibility before any work begins.

Air Source Heat Pump

$10,000

Up from $8,000 under the old IRA/HEAR rules

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Ground Source Heat Pump

$10,000

Geothermal systems now covered at the same level

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Heat Pump Water Heater

$5,000

Up from $1,750 under the old IRA/HEAR rules

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Electrical Panel Upgrade

$5,000

When required for clean energy upgrades — up from $4,000

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Wiring Improvements

$2,500

When required for clean energy upgrades

Funding Source

New York State budget funds, administered by NYSERDA through EmPower+.

Stacks on EmPower+

Incentives are added on top of your EmPower+ project limits — not counted against them.

One Application

No separate paperwork — Sustainable Futures incentives are applied through your EmPower+ project.

Insulation Still Funded

Insulation, air sealing & ventilation continue to receive federal IRA funding of up to $1,600.

Stack Your Savings — Maximize Every Dollar

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NYSERDA EmPower+

Up to $14,000

Free insulation, air sealing & home upgrades for eligible NY households ($12,000 in some upstate areas)

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Sustainable Futures Funding

Up to $22,500

Additional state funding for heat pumps, panels & wiring — stacked on top for qualifying households

Potential Total Assistance

$36,000

When EmPower+ and Sustainable Futures incentives are stacked for qualifying low-income households on a full electrification project. Moderate-income households can reach up to $31,000. We help you access every dollar you're entitled to.

How We Help You Navigate It All

Incentive programs can be complex — we make it simple

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Eligibility Check

We review your income, property, and situation to identify exactly which federal, state, and utility programs you qualify for.

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Application Handling

We file EmPower+ applications and apply Sustainable Futures incentives to your project — handling the paperwork so you receive every dollar of assistance you're entitled to.

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Certified Installation

All upgrades are performed by our certified technicians using qualifying equipment — ensuring you meet every requirement for credits and rebates.

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Maximize Your Savings

We identify ways to stack multiple programs — Sustainable Futures + EmPower+ + utility rebates — so you get the highest possible total benefit from every upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the IRA / HEAR rebates?

In 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy issued new guidelines prohibiting federal HEAR funds from being used on projects that switch a home from fossil fuels to heat pumps. New York responded by funding those same upgrades — heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electrical panels, and wiring — through the state's new Sustainable Futures Program instead, with higher incentive amounts than before. Insulation, air sealing, and ventilation measures continue to receive federal IRA funding.

Can Sustainable Futures funding be combined with EmPower+?

Yes — it's designed to. EmPower+ covers your core upgrade costs, and Sustainable Futures incentives stack on top of your EmPower+ project limits. For qualifying low-income households, the two together can support up to $36,000 in home energy improvements on a full electrification project — and up to $31,000 for moderate-income households.

Do I need to apply for Sustainable Futures separately from EmPower+?

No — we handle everything. When we process your EmPower+ application, Sustainable Futures incentives are applied automatically to the eligible measures in your project. You don't need to navigate multiple programs on your own.

Do moderate-income households get smaller incentives?

No — this is one of the biggest improvements of the new program. Sustainable Futures incentive amounts are identical for low-income and moderate-income EmPower+ participants: up to $10,000 for a heat pump, $5,000 for a heat pump water heater, $5,000 for an electrical panel, and $2,500 for wiring.

Can renters access Sustainable Futures funding?

Yes — renters of 1–4 unit homes can qualify through EmPower+. You will need your landlord's written permission for any physical improvements. We provide a simple consent form your landlord can sign.

What utilities are accepted?

EmPower+ and Sustainable Futures incentives work with most major New York utilities including Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, Central Hudson, Orange & Rockland, and RG&E. Contact us to confirm your utility qualifies.