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NYSERDA EmPower+ Program

Free Home Energy Assessments

EmPower+ Program Guidelines 2026

Helping New Yorkers Save on Energy Costs

At Fred F. Collis & Sons, we help Central New York homeowners and renters receive the maximum benefit from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s EmPower+ Program. This NYSERDA Program is designed to help low-to-moderate-income households in New York State lower their energy costs by improving their home’s efficiency and comfort—often at little to no cost.

Our team has helped thousands of local New York residents benefit from NYSERDA incentives. Now it’s your turn. If you qualify, we’ll guide you through the process and handle the work needed to make your home more efficient and affordable to heat and cool.

How You Benefit from the EmPower+ Program

The EmPower+ Program focuses on long-term energy savings through targeted home energy improvements. Instead of short-term fixes, the program helps reduce overall energy usage while improving comfort year-round. Eligible households can receive no-cost or reduced-cost home energy upgrades, depending on income requirements and program eligibility. These upgrades are designed to:

Lower monthly energy bills
Improve indoor comfort
Reduce drafts and heat loss
Upgrade outdated or inefficient systems

EmPower+ Program Qualifications

Many households throughout Central New York qualify for the EmPower Program. The program is open to income-eligible homeowners and renters. You may qualify if:

Your household income is at or below 80% of the State or County Median Income
You participate in a utility payment assistance program (such as HEAP, SNAP, SSI, or Public Assistance)

Low-income households are eligible for up to $10,000 in improvements (per project), and moderate-income households are eligible for up to $5,000 in improvements (per project).

Find out if you meet the EmPower+ income eligibility requirements!

What Energy Efficiency Upgrades Are Available?

The EmPower+ Program provides a range of upgrades based on your home’s needs. Recommendations are determined after a home energy assessment. Common improvements include:

Insulation upgrades (attic, walls, basement)
Air sealing
Smart thermostats
High-efficiency cooling and heating systems
Heat pumps (air source or ground source)
LED lighting upgrades
Heat pump water heaters
Health and safety measures (such as ventilation improvements)

Note: Not every home qualifies for every upgrade. Improvements are based on what will deliver the greatest energy savings.

Additional Savings Through Federal Rebates (HEAR Program)

You may qualify for additional federal rebates on top of EmPower+ through the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program. These can help cover:

Up to $8,000 for heat pumps
Up to $4,000 for electrical panel upgrades
Up to $2,500 for wiring upgrades
Up to $1,600 for insulation and air sealing

These incentives are in addition to your EmPower+ benefits, helping reduce your out-of-pocket cost even further.

How the Application Process Works

Getting started with the EmPower+ Program is straightforward, and our team will handle the heavy lifting for you. Here’s what to expect:

Free Home Energy Assessment – Everyone qualifies for a FREE home energy assessment, where one of our professionals evaluates your home’s energy usage and identifies where upgrades can make the biggest impact. For those who meet the income eligibility requirements, a more comprehensive home energy audit is available, which includes diagnostic testing and direct-install upgrades like LED bulbs, door sweeps, and air sealing at no cost.
Application Assistance – We’ll help confirm your eligibility and assist with submitting all required documentation through NYSERDA.
Installation & Upgrades – Once approved, our certified technicians will complete the recommended energy efficiency improvements for your home.

Lower Your Energy Bills and Maximize Savings with Fred F. Collis & Sons

Wasted energy is wasted money. The EmPower+ Program helps you fix that with real energy-efficient home improvements that make a difference. Our team at Fred F. Collis & Sons has been helping New Yorkers save money on utility bills for years, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Call or contact us online to see if you qualify for the EmPower+ Program!

Frequently Asked Questions

Approval timelines can vary based on how quickly required documents are submitted and overall program demand. In most cases, eligibility is confirmed during or shortly after the home energy assessment, and project approval follows once all information is verified. Our team helps keep the process moving as quickly as possible.

Yes. EmPower+ may be combined with other programs, including utility incentives and federal tax credits, depending on eligibility.

No. Both homeowners and renters can qualify. If you rent, your landlord will need to approve any upgrades that affect the property.