EmPower New York

The primary focus of EmPower New York program is to provide cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to eligible low-income households in New York. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) currently contracts with CLEAResult to implement the EmPower New York Program.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet income requirements to qualify for the program. In order to qualify, the customer must live in a building with 100 or fewer units, and either participate in a low-income utility assistance program; are eligible for regular Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits; or have an income of 60% or less of the State Median Income. 

Both homeowners and renters are eligible to participate. Landlords with income-eligible tenants are encouraged to talk to their residents to apply for the program. 

Program Description

Through EmPower New York, homeowners and renters are eligible to receive a free Home Energy Assessment to identify areas of possible energy improvements and receive tips on how to save energy. Energy efficiency upgrades include air sealing, insulation, replacement of inefficient refrigerators and freezers, efficient lighting, and a health and safety check for gas leaks, proper venting of furnaces and hot water heaters and smoke/CO detectors. 

In order to participate, the applicant must submit an application or fill out an application request available on the NYSERDA website or call 1-877-NYSMART. After your application is approved, a participating contractor will reach out to schedule an energy assessment and perform necessary energy upgrades. 

Funding is limited, and services will be targeted to customers on the basis of energy usage and the potential for energy-saving measures. In order to qualify customers must be an electric customers of one of the above utilities and meet Program income requirements. There is no cost to the customer for these efficiency improvements. Electric customers of PSEG Long Island should participate directly through their utility.