EmPower Plus Program NYC
No-Cost Home Energy Upgrades Through NYSERDA's EmPower+ Program
No-cost home energy improvements for income-eligible New York households. Lower your energy bills and improve comfort at no cost.
What Is the EmPower Plus Program?
The EmPower Plus program (officially stylized as EmPower+) is New York State's program that provides no-cost energy efficiency improvements to income-eligible households. The program is available to homeowners and renters across New York City, covering all five boroughs. Funded by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), the program covers attic insulation, wall insulation, air sealing, and more to help families reduce energy costs while improving home comfort and safety.
As a participating contractor in the EmPower Plus program, NY Energy Project delivers these services throughout NYC. We start with a no-cost home energy audit using blower door testing and thermal imaging to identify where your home loses the most energy.
Services Included:
- Home energy assessment
- Air sealing and insulation
- High-efficiency lighting
- Smart thermostats
- Health and safety improvements
- Appliance replacement assistance
See detailed 2026 income requirements and eligibility guidelines, learn more about what happens during a home energy audit, read our guide on how to verify EmPower+ is legitimate, or browse our complete EmPower+ FAQ.
No Cost to You
Qualifying households receive energy improvements at no cost.
Lower Energy Bills
Save 20-30% on heating and cooling costs year-round.
Improved Comfort
Eliminate drafts, cold spots, and temperature inconsistencies.
Healthier Home
Better air quality and reduced moisture problems.
Who Qualifies?
The EmPower Plus program is available to income-eligible households across New York City and New York State. Check the requirements below.
Basic Requirements
- Residence Type: You own or rent a 1-4 family home in New York State
- Income: Your household income falls within the Tier 1 or Tier 3 guidelines
- Utility Service: You're an electric or gas customer of Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, or another participating utility—OR you heat with oil, propane, or kerosene
- Utility Bills: You're responsible for paying your utility bills
- Documentation: You can provide income verification (tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit award letters from HEAP, SNAP, TANF, or SSI)
Already receiving HEAP, SNAP, TANF, or SSI? You likely pre-qualify! Your benefit letter serves as income verification.
2026 Income Guidelines
Maximum gross annual income to qualify (NYC counties):
| Household Size | Tier 1 – 60% AMI | Tier 3 – 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $68,063 | $90,750 |
| 2 people | $77,775 | $103,700 |
| 3 people | $87,488 | $116,650 |
| 4 people | $97,200 | $129,600 |
| 5 people | $105,000 | $140,000 |
| 6 people | $112,763 | $150,350 |
| 7 people | $120,563 | $160,750 |
| 8 people | $128,325 | $171,100 |
Tier 1 qualifies for up to $14,000 in covered energy upgrades.
Tier 3 qualifies for up to $7,000 in covered energy upgrades.
Income limits may vary slightly by county.
How to Get No-Cost EmPower+ Upgrades
Check Your Eligibility
Contact NY Energy Project. We serve all five NYC boroughs and will verify your household qualifies based on income and utility service.
Submit Your Application
Gather your documents (utility bill, income verification). NY Energy Project can guide you through the paperwork.
Schedule Your Energy Assessment
Once approved, a certified technician visits your home to identify energy-saving opportunities and health/safety issues.
Get Your No-Cost Upgrades
NY Energy Project installs approved improvements—insulation, air sealing, lighting, and more—at no cost to you.
Start Saving
Enjoy lower energy bills, improved comfort, and a healthier home for years to come.
Timeline: Application approval takes 2-5 business days. Whole project completed in 2-3 weeks.
Maria Vervoordt
"I just got my home insulated by NY Energy Project through the Empower+ Program. They did a Home Energy Assessment and recommended that I get my home insulated to keep me and my family warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. The whole crew came on time and worked very hard and finished up all in one day. I would highly recommend NY Energy Project to anyone looking for insulation services."
Yvonne Curry
"The energy program came yesterday. They did a marvelous job very professional very courtesy well done job I will recommend them to anyone clogged up all the holes. Smoke detectors changed all the lightbulbs. They did a marvelous job. A smart thermostat. Great job."
Suzette B.
"Professional, fast and very clean work! Lovely crew, everyone was so polite and nice. My home feels warmer, cozier and more quiet. It was a pleasure experience, highly recommend!"
Check Your EmPower Plus Program Eligibility
Homeowners and renters must meet income requirements to qualify for EmPower+. You may be eligible if you can answer "yes" to these statements:
I am an electricity customer of Central Hudson, Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, Orange and Rockland, Rochester Gas & Electric and pay SBC or I heat with oil, propane, or kerosene. *
I live in a home or building with 4 units or fewer *
My household income is below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for my household size (see income table above), or I receive HEAP, SNAP, TANF, or SSI benefits *
