Is EmPower+ Legit? What NYC Homeowners Need to Know

You saw a flyer, got a knock on your door, or came across an ad on Facebook saying you can get no-cost insulation, air sealing, and even a new heating system for your NYC home. No catch. No payback. No hidden fees.

Your first reaction was probably: this sounds like a scam.

We hear it every week from homeowners across the five boroughs. And honestly, the skepticism makes sense. When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. But in this case, the program is real, it is funded by New York State, and thousands of NYC homeowners have already used it.

This guide explains exactly what EmPower+ is, how it works, who is behind it, what you actually receive, and how to tell the difference between a legitimate contractor and someone trying to take advantage of you.

What Is EmPower+ and Who Runs It?

EmPower+ is a program administered by NYSERDA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. NYSERDA is a state agency that has been operating since 1975. It is not a private company, not a startup, and not a fly-by-night operation. It is part of the New York State government.

The program helps income-eligible homeowners and renters reduce energy waste and lower utility bills by providing energy efficiency upgrades at no cost or reduced cost. The funding comes from the Clean Energy Fund, which is supported by a small surcharge on utility bills that all New York ratepayers contribute to.

In other words, you have been paying into this fund for years through your Con Edison or National Grid bill. EmPower+ is one way that money comes back to eligible households.

What Do You Actually Get Through EmPower+?

The program is divided into tiers based on household income. Here is what each tier covers for NYC homeowners:

Tier 1: Low-Income Households

If your household income is at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or the State Median Income (SMI), whichever is higher, you qualify for Tier 1. In NYC, the AMI is higher than the SMI, which means more households qualify here than in other parts of the state. If you receive HEAP, SNAP, TANF, SSI, or similar public assistance, you also likely qualify. This is the most generous tier:

• No-cost comprehensive home energy audit
• No-cost air sealing throughout your home
• No-cost attic, wall, and basement insulation
• No-cost health and safety improvements (carbon monoxide testing, smoke detectors, ventilation)
• Potential coverage for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical upgrades
• Up to $14,000 in improvements at no cost to you

Tier 3: Moderate-Income Households

If your income is between 60% and 80% of AMI or SMI (whichever is higher), you qualify for Tier 3. Again, NYC's higher AMI means the income ceiling is more generous here. NYSERDA covers 50% of the project cost, up to $7,000. You pay the remaining balance after the work is complete.

Why EmPower+ Sounds Like a Scam (and Why It Is Not)

There are real reasons people are suspicious. Let's address them one by one.

"No-cost home improvements? Nobody gives things away."

The upgrades are not given away. They are funded by New York State through the Clean Energy Fund. The money was already collected from ratepayers. NYSERDA distributes it to participating contractors who perform the work. The homeowner does not pay because the state already did.

"The contractor will upsell me or charge hidden fees."

Legitimate EmPower+ participating contractors cannot charge you for work covered under the program. NYSERDA defines the scope of work, approves it before installation begins, and pays the contractor directly. If a contractor asks for money upfront for EmPower+ covered work, that is a red flag.

"They will put a lien on my house."

EmPower+ does not involve any lien, loan, or repayment. There is no financial obligation tied to your property. This is not a financing program. It is a grant-funded efficiency program.

"I called a number from a flyer and something felt off."

This is a legitimate concern. Not everyone who advertises EmPower+ is an authorized participating contractor. Some companies use misleading tactics to collect your information or sell you services that are not part of the program. We will cover how to spot these situations below.

"A company knocked on my door and said I qualified without even asking about my income."

No one can tell you that you qualify for EmPower+ without reviewing your income documentation. If someone shows up unannounced and guarantees eligibility on the spot, be cautious. The real application process requires income verification through NYSERDA.

How to Verify a Contractor Is Legitimate

The safest way to protect yourself is to check a few things before you sign anything or share personal information.

1. Check the NYSERDA Contractor Directory

NYSERDA maintains a list of participating contractors authorized to perform EmPower+ work. You can search by ZIP code on the NYSERDA website (nyserda.ny.gov) or call 866-NYSERDA (866-697-3732) to verify a company's status.

2. Look for BPI Certification

Every contractor performing energy audits under EmPower+ must be BPI (Building Performance Institute) certified. This is a nationally recognized credential that ensures the technician has been trained and tested on building science, safety protocols, and diagnostic procedures. Ask to see proof of certification.

3. Check Google Reviews

A legitimate contractor should have verifiable reviews from real customers. Look for specific mentions of EmPower+, insulation, air sealing, or energy audits. Be wary of companies with no reviews, only generic reviews, or reviews that seem fake.

4. Verify They Are Not Asking for Upfront Payment

For Tier 1 work, you should never pay anything upfront. NYSERDA pays the contractor directly after the work is approved and completed. If someone asks for a deposit or payment before starting EmPower+ covered work, that is not how the program operates.

5. Get Everything in Writing

Before any work begins, NYSERDA reviews and approves the proposed scope. You should receive documentation outlining exactly what will be done. If a contractor wants to start work without this step, ask questions.

How NY Energy Project Works With EmPower+

NY Energy Project is a participating contractor in the EmPower+ program. We are based in New York City and serve homeowners across all five boroughs, with most of our work in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

Here is what that means in practice:

• We are listed in the NYSERDA contractor directory. You can verify this directly with NYSERDA.
• Our technicians are BPI Gold Star certified, which is the highest level of BPI accreditation.
• We have completed over 183 EmPower+ projects across NYC.
• We have 39 five-star Google reviews from verified homeowners.
• We never ask for upfront payment on EmPower+ Tier 1 work.
• We walk every homeowner through the application process, income verification, and NYSERDA approval before any work begins.

If you want to check our reputation yourself, search "NY Energy Project" on Google and read the reviews. They are from real NYC homeowners, and they describe exactly what the process was like.

What the Real EmPower+ Application Process Looks Like

Understanding the actual process helps you spot anything that does not match. Here is how it works when you go through a legitimate contractor:

1. 1

   Contact a participating contractor.

   You reach out to a NYSERDA-approved EmPower+ contractor. They explain the program, answer your questions, and help you determine if you are likely eligible based on your household size and income.

2. 2

   Submit your application.

   The contractor submits your application to NYSERDA with your income documentation. This includes tax returns, benefit letters, or other proof of household income.

3. 3

   NYSERDA reviews and approves.

   NYSERDA reviews your application and income documentation. Approval typically takes 3 to 5 business days. You receive confirmation directly from NYSERDA.

4. 4

   Home energy audit.

   A BPI-certified technician conducts a comprehensive home energy audit using diagnostic tools like a blower door test and thermal imaging to identify where your home is losing energy.

5. 5

   NYSERDA approves the scope of work.

   Based on the audit results, the contractor submits a proposed scope of work to NYSERDA. NYSERDA reviews and approves exactly what will be done in your home before any installation begins.

6. 6

   Installation.

   The contractor performs the approved work -- insulation, air sealing, health and safety measures, and any other approved upgrades. This is typically completed within one to three days depending on the scope.

7. 7

   Final inspection and sign-off.

   After installation, a final inspection confirms the work meets NYSERDA's quality standards. You sign off on the completed work. NYSERDA pays the contractor directly -- you pay nothing for Tier 1 work.

If any step in this process is skipped, rushed, or feels different from what is described above, ask questions. A good contractor will be happy to explain every step.

Frequently Asked Questions