Low- to Moderate-Income Financing (NYSERDA)

Low- to Moderate-Income Financing (NYSERDA) is sponsored by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NYSERDA offers financing options to help low-to-moderate income (LMI) households overcome upfront costs associated with energy efficiency improvements and clean energy installations in New York State.

Pick a topic, get updates! EmPower+ helps low- and moderate-income households save energy and money toward energy improvements made to their primary residence. Through EmPower+, eligible New Yorkers can receive: No-cost comprehensive home energy assessments to pinpoint where energy and dollars are being wasted and receive a customized plan to lower energy usage.

No-cost direct install improvements identified during the assessment can be installed by participating program contractors. Funding toward the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical service and wiring upgrades. The program is open to income-eligible owners and renters of one- to four-family households.

EmPower+ is now also providing energy efficiency improvements to KEDLI customers. The KEDLI Heat program ended on October 31st, however, EmPower + is now serving income eligible customers who would qualified for KEDLI Heat on Long Island. For assistance in applying and navigating home energy upgrades, connect with your Regional Clean Energy Hub .

Available Incentives and Energy Efficiency Improvements New York Upstate and Downstate Counties Downstate Counties: Bronx, Dutchess, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Ulster, Westchester, Kings EmPower+ incentives are based on household income eligibility and the types of energy efficiency improvements included in a project.

Low-income, single-family households are eligible for no-cost energy efficiency improvements capped at $12,000 per project for upstate customers and $14,000 per project for downstate customers. Moderate-income single-family households are eligible for an incentive covering 50% of the cost of the energy efficiency improvements capped at $6,000 per project for upstate customers and $7,000 for downstate customers.

This funding can cover a range of upgrades, with prioritization for core energy efficiency improvements, including insulation, air sealing, and health and safety items. For homes that have air sealing and insulation completed, contractors can make recommendations to upgrade heating and cooling equipment through EmPower+.

Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR) recently expanded the incentives that income-eligible New Yorkers can receive through EmPower+ to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. This funding is in addition to the incentive amounts listed above. Looking to Save More Energy at Home?

Save up to $840 on energy-efficient appliances , including new clothes dryers, with IRA rebates. The total HEAR incentive amount a household is eligible to receive is based on the combination of energy efficiency improvements.

The maximum incentive limits per improvement are as follows: Air sealing, insulation, and ventilation: $1,600 Electrical service upgrade (panel box): $4,000 Electrical wiring upgrade: $2,500 EmPower+ contractors can help determine necessary improvements and what households are eligible for during the home energy assessment and prior to starting the project.

To fill any home energy upgrade funding gaps, customers can apply for low-interest financing through NYSERDA’s Residential Financing programs and explore qualifying IRA tax credits . When applying to EmPower+, it’s easiest and fastest to gather the required documents you’ll need for your application before getting started. Once you have the necessary documents you can begin the application process.

Create a profile on the MyEnergy Portal and complete an EmPower+ Program application. Once the EmPower+Application is approved you will receive an email from the program including contact information for your EmPower+ contractor. Your EmPower+ contractor will set up at time to perform the home energy assessment.

Following the home energy assessment, your contractor will submit recommendations for energy improvements to EmPower+ for review. Upon approval of an EmPower+ project, the contractor will provide you with an overview of approved incentive amounts and schedule a time to perform the energy efficiency improvements.

Setting up a MyEnergy profile and applying online is the fastest way to apply for a no-cost home energy assessment and incentives. Once you set up your profile you can save your in-progress application, submit your application and supporting documents for review, and check on your application status. The application portal includes on-screen instructions on how to apply.

Alternatively, you can access the EmPower+ Program by downloading a printable version of the application (PDF) to mail to us. Formats the Html codes. FormatFix the Html to be XHtml compliantFix Validate that the text is XHtml compliant.

Validate Required EmPower+ Application Documents To apply to the EmPower+ Program, here is what you will need: Copy of entire award letter for HEAP, SNAP (Food Stamps), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or Supplemental Security Income dated within the past 12 months. No additional income documentation is required.

If you do not have an award letter, then you will need to document household income using one of the two options below: Option 1-Provide all the applicable income outlined below Paystubs: Four consecutive weeks of paystubs dated in the last 60 days Social Security and/or Social Security Disability: Copy of award letter Documentation of all forms of income. This can include disability.

worker's compensation, unemployment, pension, maintenance, annuities, Veteran's benefits, and all other income Self-Employment: IRS Report of quarterly earnings for the last three months Tax returns: This option is only available if all household members who were required to file a tax return did so. If documenting income with tax returns, all sources of income must be documented with tax returns.

Returns must be the most recent Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ). If documenting rental, business or farm income - you must submit corresponding schedules (Schedule C, E, and F A copy of your itemized electric utility bill A copy of you gas utility bill or a bill from a fuel supplier if heating by propane, oil, kerosene, wood, or coal.

If there are any questions on the required EmPower+ Application documents, please contact us at 1-866-NYSERDA. Set up an account and apply online for a no-cost home energy assessment and incentives toward your home energy upgrades. Renters and 2-4 Family Households Learn about incentive amounts and eligibility for renters and owners of two- to four-family properties.

Determine if you meet income eligibility guidelines based on your county and household size. Explore participating EmPower+ contractors in your area. After applying, find out what to expect for next steps and during a home energy assessment.

Get answers to common questions about program eligibility, eligible energy efficiency improvements, and more. Get Support and Assistance New Yorkers can contact 866-NYSERDA for assistance completing the EmPower+ application . In addition to EmPower+, New Yorkers may be eligible for other financial incentives and offerings.

Explores the resources below to find out what programs and assistance you qualify for. Regional Clean Energy Hubs Access resources and assistance to apply for a no-cost home energy assessment, explore program offerings, find qualified contractors, and make informed energy decisions.

Learn More about Regional Clean Energy Hubs Income-eligible residents and affordable housing owners can receive a customized list of energy-related assistance programs to help pay energy bills and make energy upgrades. Learn More about energy-related assistance programs Stay up to date on energy-saving programs and incentives, best practices, and more.