NYC’s average electric bill has soared to $338/month—63% higher than the national average—but the enhanced 2025 EmPower+ program offers up to $10,000 in free energy efficiency upgrades
Income-eligible households earning below 80% of Area Median Income can qualify for comprehensive insulation, air sealing, appliance upgrades, and heating system improvements at no cost
Participants typically see 15-30% energy bill reductions, saving $300-800 annually while improving home comfort and contributing to New York’s clean energy goals
In 2024-2025, New York City households are confronting an energy affordability crisis that has pushed the average electric bill in NYC to a staggering $338 per month—63% higher than what families pay nationwide. With electricity rates hitting 31 cents per kilowatt-hour and typical consumption around 1,076 kWh monthly, NYC homeowners are spending over $4,056 annually just to power their homes.
This financial strain has made the EmPower+ program a lifeline for energy-burdened families across the five boroughs. The program has undergone significant enhancements for 2025, with New York becoming the first state to integrate Inflation Reduction Act funding into its energy assistance initiatives. According to Governor Hochul’s announcement, $396 million is now available to support these vital home energy improvements, representing the largest investment in residential energy efficiency assistance in state history
Get Started
Check your income eligibility and schedule your free NYSERDA energy assessment today to unlock thousands in energy efficiency improvements.
2025 Program Enhancements and Real Savings Impact
Starting your EmPower+ application process in 2025 has never been more accessible. The streamlined approach ensures eligible families can quickly access valuable home energy upgrades without unnecessary complexity:
Gather Documentation (15 minutes)
- Current utility bills
- Proof of income (pay stubs or HEAP/SNAP award letters)
Submit Application (20 minutes)
- Complete online submission through NYSERDA Application Portal
- Paper forms available through local community organizations
Await Approval (2-3 weeks)
- NYSERDA reviews eligibility
- Certified contractor assigned upon approval
Schedule Assessment (2-3 hours)
- Comprehensive home evaluation
- Identification of improvement opportunities
Complete Upgrades (1-2 days)
- Installation at your convenience
- Minimal disruption to daily routine
Total timeline: 6-8 weeks from application to completion, influenced by seasonal demand and project complexity. Check our EmPower+ Application FAQs for additional guidance.
The window for securing these transformative benefits is limited. With $396 million in state funding now available but demand surging across New York, early action ensures you don’t miss this unprecedented opportunity for energy independence.
Schedule Your NYSERDA Home Energy Audit Today!
Schedule your free energy assessment today and discover how much you could save with EmPower+ upgrades before funding allocations are exhausted.
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Do you Qualify for Empower+ program for free upgrades?
If you receive HEAP, SNAP and/or TANF and fall within the income bracket specified in the table to the right, you may be eligible.
