EmPower+ Is Back: Up to $12,000 in Upstate NY Energy Upgrades

If you have been waiting for an opportunity to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient, there is good news: the EmPower+ program is back and fully available.

After being paused and going through changes over the past year, EmPower+ is once again helping income-qualifying New Yorkers access home energy improvements at little to no out-of-pocket cost. Through the program, eligible households may receive up to $12,000 in energy upgrades, including insulation, air sealing and other improvements designed to make homes more comfortable and reduce energy use.

If you previously looked into EmPower+ and were told the program was unavailable, now is the time to try again.

What Is the EmPower+ Home Energy Program?

EmPower+ is a New York State program designed to help low- and moderate-income households improve the energy efficiency, comfort and safety of their homes.

Depending on your household income and the needs of your home, eligible improvements may include:

• Attic, wall and other insulation
• Air sealing and spray foam
• Health and safety improvements
• Energy-efficiency upgrades
• Heat pump water heaters for qualifying homes

The process begins with a no-cost home energy assessment to identify where your home may be losing energy and which improvements could make the biggest difference.

Low-income households in upstate New York may qualify for up to $12,000 in approved improvements at no cost. Moderate-income households may also qualify for assistance, with the program contributing 50% of the approved project cost, up to $6,000.

Will I Qualify for EmPower+?

The income limits may be higher than you think. Many working households that might not consider themselves low-income could still qualify for assistance through EmPower+.

For example, a family of four earning up to approximately $80,160 per year may qualify. A two-person household earning around $54,504 or a three-person household earning around $67,000 may also fall within the program’s income guidelines. Eligibility varies based on household size, income and county, so even if you aren’t sure where you fall, it’s worth finding out.

If you currently receive HEAP or SNAP benefits, If you receive HEAP or SNAP benefits, you are already eligible regardless of income. 

Homeowners aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the program, either. Renters living in eligible one- to four-family homes may also qualify for energy upgrades with their landlord’s approval. If you’re renting and aren’t sure how to approach your landlord about participating, Standard can help explain the program and what is needed to move forward.

Standard Makes the Process Easier

Figuring out which energy programs you qualify for can feel complicated. That’s where Standard comes in.

Standard has been helping families throughout the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region access energy-efficiency programs like EmPower+ for more than 18 years. We know the program, the paperwork and the process.

When you call Standard, we look at the full picture to determine what programs and savings may be available to you. If EmPower+ is the right fit, our team will help guide you through the process from start to finish. One call is all it takes to get started.

Find Out What You Qualify For.

A more comfortable, energy-efficient home could be closer than you think.

Call Standard first. We’ll find out what you qualify for, help with the paperwork and complete the work.

Call 1-800-738-1424 today to find out if you qualify for EmPower+ and up to $12,000 in home energy upgrades.