You May Qualify for Up to $12,000 in Free Energy Upgrades
If your cooling and heating bills are too high and your home is hard to keep warm, give us a call. Standard has been helping families in the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region get free upgrades for over 18 years. When you call us, we do not just give you a quote. We look at the full picture and figure out what programs and savings are available to you.
Through EmPower, many homeowners and renters can get new insulation, air sealing, and other energy improvements done at no cost. That includes attic insulation, wall insulation, and spray foam, the same work Standard has been doing in homes for decades. The program is designed for low- and moderate-income households, and it covers more people than most expect. A family of four earning up to $80,000 a year can qualify. If you receive HEAP or SNAP benefits, you are already eligible.
Standard has been one of New York’s top EmPower contractors for 18 years. We know what the program requires, what documents you need, and how to make sure your application is set up right. The process involves some paperwork on your end, but you are not sorting through it alone. We work with you, explain what is needed, and help you get it together. Once your application is in, we take it from there: the assessment, the recommendations, and the work itself.
Call 1-800-738-1424 to find out if you are eligible.
What EmPower Can Cover
Home Energy Assessment
We start with a full assessment of your home at no cost to you. Our team looks at how your home uses energy and where improvements would make the biggest difference.
Insulation
Think of it like wrapping your whole home in a cozy blanket, keeping warm air in during winter and cool air in during summer. We install spray foam and blown-in insulation depending on what your home needs.
Hot Water Heaters
If your current water heater is outdated, you may qualify for a more efficient replacement that uses less energy and costs less to run.
How It Works
- Call Standard – Give us a call at 1-800-738-1424 or text us. We will ask a few basic questions to see if you are likely to qualify.
- We Help You Apply – The program requires an application with some basic income documents. You show us what you have, we’ll tell you if anything is missing, and make sure everything is filled out right before you submit your application and select Standard.
- Your Home Energy Assessment – Once you are approved, we schedule a visit to your home. Our team looks for upgrades that you can get for free to help with the burden of higher heating and cooling bills. This visit is free.
- We Submit a Plan – Based on what we find, we put together a list of recommended improvements and work with New York State to get our plan approved.
- The Work Gets Done – After the project is approved, we schedule a time that works for you and complete the improvements. Low-income households pay nothing out of pocket. Moderate-income households pay 50% of the approved cost.
How Much Does the Program Cover?
| Low-Income Households | Moderate-Income Households | |
| What the program pays | Up to $12,000 (no cost to you) | Up to $6,000 (50% of project cost) |
| Who qualifies | Homeowners and renters below the income limits for your county and household size | Homeowners and renters within the moderate-income range for your county and household size |
Do I Qualify?
Eligibility is based on your household size and income. Here are the general income ranges for our service area. These are approximate. Exact limits vary slightly by county.
| Household Size | You May Qualify If You Earn Up To |
| 1 person | ~$45,000 |
| 2 people | ~$55,000 |
| 3 people | ~$67,000 |
| 4 people | ~$80,000 |
| 5 people | ~$93,000 |
| 6+ people | ~$106,000 or more |
If you receive HEAP or SNAP benefits, you are already eligible regardless of income.
Not sure where you fall? Many people are surprised to learn they are eligible. A single parent with three kids is a four-person household and can qualify earning up to about $80,000 a year. It takes a few minutes on the phone to find out. No obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EmPower really free?
For low-income households that meet the income guidelines, yes. The program covers the full cost of approved improvements, up to $12,000. Moderate-income households pay half the cost, up to a $6,000 program contribution. There are no hidden fees from Standard.
What if the National Grid bill isn’t in my name?
You will need to have the bill switched into your name before you can apply. Once that’s done, we can move forward with the application.
I rent my home. Can I still get help?
Yes. Renters in one- to four-family homes can qualify. Your landlord will need to agree to the improvements, and we can help with that conversation.
What kind of work does the program cover?
The program focuses on insulation, air sealing, and health and safety improvements. Some households may also qualify for a heat pump water heater.
How long does the whole process take?
From your first call to completed work, most projects take a few weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly your application is approved and what improvements your home needs.
Do I have to provide income documents?
In most cases, yes. You will need to show proof of income such as pay stubs, Social Security statements, or benefit letters. If you receive HEAP or SNAP benefits, that documentation may be all you need.
I applied for EmPower before and was told the program was not available. What changed?
The program was paused and went through changes over the past year. It is now fully available again, and Standard is actively helping process new applications. If you were turned away before, call us. We can start the process today.
Will the work be messy or disruptive?
Our crews work in your home with care. We protect your space, clean up after the job, and walk you through everything before and after.
What if I do not qualify for EmPower?
We may still be able to help. Other programs exist that cover part of the cost of insulation for homeowners at higher income levels. When you call, we check everything and let you know\ what options are available to you. There is almost always something.
We Have Helped Thousands of Homeowners Get Free Energy Upgrades
All it takes is one phone call. We will tell you if you qualify, explain what the program covers, and handle the rest. No pressure, no obligation.
Call 1-800-738-1424 Or text us to get started.
Areas We Serve
Standard provides EmPower services throughout the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region, including Utica, Rome, Herkimer, Schenectady, Amsterdam, Gloversville, Johnstown, and Albany. If you live in Oneida, Herkimer, Montgomery, Fulton, Schenectady, or Albany County and have questions about the program, give us a call.