Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, state residents meeting EmPower+ eligibility requirements can receive home energy services through the program at no cost.
The program is funded through a “System Benefits Charge” included in the bills of participating electric and natural gas utilities. This means that everyone who is a customer of a participating utility is chipping in to pay for this program.
No. There is no cost or future obligation when you participate in EmPower+.
You may be eligible if the following are true:
- Your total household gross income meets the income guidelines, or you are receiving HEAP, SNAP, or public assistance.
- You are an electricity or natural gas customer of Central Hudson, Con Edison, National Fuel, National Grid (Upstate, Metro, Long Island), NYSEG, Orange and Rockland, Rochester Gas & Electric- or heat with oil, kerosene, propane, wood, coal, or pellets
- The person on the utility account resides in the household
- You reside in a building with 100 units or less
No, EmPower+ contractors are not code inspectors.
Yes, EmPower New York provides energy services to anyone who owns or rents a home and meets all the eligibility requirements.
Does my landlord have to be involved?
No. EmPower+ can provide some limited electric reduction services to your apartment where possible, but landlords are encouraged to participate in order to provide you with a more comprehensive work project.
If an eligible tenant directly benefits from the energy services being provided through EmPower+, those services will be completed at no cost to the landlord. Some services, such as adding insulation, require the landlord to sign an agreement allowing the upgrade to be installed.
Please don’t hesitate to call us with any other questions.