EMPOWER+

This Program enables NY Homeowners to make their dreams of energy efficiency a reality.

NYSERDA offers various programs to help residents and businesses reduce energy usage and promote sustainability. One such program is the EMPOWER+, which aims to assist New York State residents in upgrading their home's energy performance while improving indoor comfort. Through the program, homeowners can receive a comprehensive home assessment, conducted by a participating contractor, which will identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved. With the resulting report, homeowners can then decide on upgrades and retrofits that suit their needs. This program is formerly known as “EMPOWERNY” and “Assisted Home Performance”.

If your gross income meets the NYSERDA income guidelines outlined here , OR if you are receiving HEAP, SNAP, or public assistance, you may qualify. Overview of qualifications listed below:

• You are a customer of a participating electric or gas utility company in New York State (O&R, Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG). The program is open to homeowners as well as renters who have the approval of their landlord.

• The person on the utility account resides in the household.

• Typical Single Family Homes Qualify.

Complete the form below to see if you qualify!

Energy Audit Process

One of the first steps in the EMPOWER+ Program is to complete a home energy assessment. This assessment will help us determine where your home is wasting the most energy. Once we determine where the energy loss is deriving, we compile a list of recommendations and improvements on how to solve the energy issues.

Examples of what follows during an energy assessment are as follows:

• Assess the insulation levels in the home, which usually involves probing the walls for insulation, inspecting the attic or roof insulation, measuring the home, and ensuring that insulation is in all the right places.

• Inspect the heating distribution system: the ducts or pipes that bring you heat.

• Evaluate the efficiency of your homes HVAC system(s).

• Measure the air leakage in the home, using a “blower door”. This device helps us determine if the house is drafty and to what extent, will help identify the source of the leaks, and will ensure the home still has sufficient fresh air after the work is done.

• Check for gas leaks if natural gas or propane are in use at the dwelling

• Once the assessment is complete, we submit the recommended improvements to NYSERDA for approval. They typically approve the upgrades within 3-5 business days.

• Once approval is issued, EMS will call to coordinate your no-cost insulation upgrades!

• For more information about the Energy Audit, click here.