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IRA funding is now available through EmPower+!

We are excited to announce that the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has substantially expanded the funding available through the EmPower+ program to help low and moderate-income households with insulation, air sealing, and heat pump installations. Additionally, even if you have had EmPower+ work done in the past three years, your household can now reapply again for additional work to get your home even more energy efficient!

If your household income is over the income limits for EmPower+, keep reading for more updates on the rest of the IRA rebates and tax credits.

If your household received an award letter from HEAP* or SNAP October 1, 2023 onwards, we encourage you to apply to EmPower+ now (must be approved by July 1, 2024) to maximize the funding available to you for your home. You can apply online (if you do, please select Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) as the organization helping you), or work with one of our Energy Advisors to apply by calling 315-313-5050.

If you miss that deadline or do not receive HEAP or SNAP, do not fret! New York recently became the first state in the nation to offer the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) from the Inflation Reduction Act, through EmPower+. As long as your household income is less than 80% of area median income you qualify for these new rebates! Check income eligibility here.

If your household income is above the income limits to qualify for EmPower+, your turn comes soon! NYSERDA is currently working towards developing and submitting the full HEAR incentives to enable rebate offers to moderate-income residents with up to 150% of area median income, and to owners of larger low- and moderate-income multifamily buildings, including high-efficiency electric appliance rebates.

Expanded IRA tax credits for heat pumps, insulation, windows, and solar are available now through 2032 for everyone paying federal income taxes. For a full list of residential credits check out Energy Star’s Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency and the IRS guidelines.

What can EmPower+ do?

EmPower+ provides funding to one of many local home performance contractors to improve the energy efficiency of your home and to help you get electrification ready as appliances and other home items age out, or you are ready to replace them. This can include insulation, air sealing, electrical panel upgrades, heat pump water heaters, air source heat pumps (in certain circumstances), etc.

How much funding can EmPower+ provide me? 

The amount of funding depends on what energy efficiency upgrades are being installed in your home. It is possible for homes to access a maximum of up to about $20,000 in work with this new funding.

Do I have to own my home?

No- Renters are eligible too, with landlord permission! At this time, 1-4 unit rentals can apply. Stay tuned for 5+ unit buildings in the future.

We encourage you to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors who may also benefit from this funding. By spreading the word, you can help others in your community take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Enhance your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy costs by connecting with EnergySmart CNY today! An EnergySmart Energy Advisor can provide you with support every step of the way to meet your individual needs and goals.

*Any of these qualify: HEAP Regular Benefit, HEAP Emergency Benefit, HEAP Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement Benefit, HEAP Clean & Tune

For more information or to get involved:

Connect with one of our experienced Energy Advisors at (315) 313-5050 or sign up online!