Energy Assistance Programs

• Weatherization Assistance Program - This program assists income-eligible households with efficiency measures such as air sealing, wall and attic insulation, heating system improvements and electric reduction measures. Services are free to eligible households. Household must have an income of less than 60% of State Median Income (i.e., eligible for regular HEAP benefits). NYS Homes and Community Renewal carries out the program statewide with funding from the US Department of Energy. For more information and to find your local weatherization assistance provider, visit the Weatherization Assistance Program website.
• EmPower NY - The focus of EmPower New York℠ is on cost-effective energy efficiency measures, like air sealing, insulation, lighting and refrigerator replacements, as well as health and safety tests. Services are free to eligible households: electric distribution customers of a participating utility who live in a building with 100 units or less or have a household income below 60% of state median income are eligible (i.e., HEAP eligible).
• Solar for All - Solar for All offers eligible households the opportunity to subscribe to community solar at no cost. Program participants receive monthly credits on their electricity bills and there are no upfront costs, fees, or payments to participate.
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - HEAP can help low-income families with the cost of heating their home, regardless of the type of fuel used. The program also offers heating equipment repair and replacement assistance to eligible homeowners. To find out if you are eligible, click here. File online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov. 
• Residential Energy Audit Program - Free for New York residents. Beginning on January 1, 2020, NYSERDA will pay your participating contractor for completing your energy audit. The audit including home health and safety checks may take 1-2 hours to complete. You will learn about energy use, hidden problems, opportunities for improvement and receive a customized report: information that can help you plan for a more comfortable home.
• Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR - The Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program offers the same services as Home Performance with ENERGY STAR with additional financial support for income-eligible households. Qualifying households can receive a discount covering 50% of the cost up to $4,000 of eligible energy efficiency upgrades. Low-interest loans are also available to help cover the remainder of the project cost. Eligible New Yorkers include residents in 1-4 family homes that have household incomes at or below 80% of County Average Median Income.
• Utility Rebates & Incentives - Contact your utility company to find out what rebates are currently being offered to residential and business customers.
• Agriculture Energy Audit Program - The Agriculture Energy Audit Program offers technical assistance to identify energy efficiency measures for eligible farms and on-farm producers, including but not limited to: dairies, orchards, greenhouses, vegetables, vineyards, grain dryers, and poultry/egg. You can request the level of energy audit that best fits your farm’s needs. NYSERDA will assign a Flexible Technical Assistance Consultant to visit your farm and perform an energy audit at no cost to you.

And many more! Contact your local Community Energy Advisor to get the most up-to-date information.

Last updated February 12, 2020