2026 Guide to NYSERDA & Utility Rebates in New York
EmPower+, PSEG, and Con Edison Programs Explained
New York homeowners have access to some of the most aggressive energy efficiency incentives in the country. In 2026, programs through NYSERDA, PSEG Long Island, and Con Edison make it possible to significantly reduce (or even eliminate) the cost of insulation, air sealing, and energy upgrades.
Even better—many of these programs can now be stacked together, dramatically lowering out-of-pocket costs.
Below is a breakdown of the current rebate landscape and how homeowners can take advantage.
EmPower+ (Low-Income Program)
Up to $14,000 in No-Cost Energy Upgrades
The EmPower+ program is designed specifically for low- to moderate-income households in New York.
What’s Included:
Insulation (attic, walls, floors)
Air sealing
Heat pumps & HVAC upgrades
Heat pump water heaters
Health & safety improvements
Smart thermostats and lighting
Eligible households can receive:
Up to $16,000 in improvements at no cost (low-income)
Up to $7,000 (moderate-income tier - requires 50% customer contribution)
Who Qualifies?
Based on income (typically ≤80% of median income)
OR participation in programs like HEAP, SNAP, SSI
Available to both homeowners and renters (with landlord approval)
Why It Matters
This program prioritizes whole-home performance, meaning improvements are based on what will deliver the greatest energy savings—not just one-off upgrades.
PSEG Home Performance Rebates (Long Island)
Available for BOTH Market-Rate & Income-Eligible Homes
For homeowners in PSEG territory, rebates are available through the PSEG Home Energy Assessment and Home Performance programs.
Key Benefits:
Free energy assessments
Rebates on:
Insulation
Air sealing
Duct sealing
Additional incentives for low-income or disadvantaged communities
New in 2026: Stacking with EmPower+
One of the biggest updates:
👉 PSEG customers can now combine (stack) utility rebates with EmPower+ benefits
This means:
EmPower+ may cover baseline work (often $0 cost)
PSEG incentives can add additional funding on top
Projects that previously had a cost may now be fully covered
Con Edison Programs (NYC & Westchester)
Weatherization + Comfort Home Rebates
For homeowners in Con Edison territory, insulation rebates are primarily delivered through two pathways:
1. Comfort Home Program (Market Rate)
The Comfort Home Program is the main insulation rebate program for market-rate homeowners.
Rebate Structure:
$2,500 – $3,000 for insulation & air sealing packages
Additional $2,000 available for window upgrades (add-on)
Package Options:
Good Package – attic + air sealing
Better Package – includes walls and floors
Windows Add-On – for full envelope upgrades
Typical energy savings:
14–20% reduction in heating/cooling costs
2. Con Edison Weatherization Programs
Con Edison also offers coordinated incentives (especially in areas like Westchester), including:
Additional rebates layered with Comfort Home
Extra incentives for qualifying projects
Special programs for multifamily buildings (up to $2,200 per unit)
How These Programs Work Together
One of the most important things homeowners should understand:
You don’t have to choose just one program.
In 2026, many projects can combine:
EmPower+ (income-based)
Utility rebates (PSEG or Con Edison)
Federal IRA incentives
This layered approach can reduce project costs by thousands of dollars—or eliminate them entirely.
For example:
Insulation may be covered under EmPower+
Additional rebates applied through utility programs
Equipment upgrades (like heat pumps) further reduced with federal incentives
Stacking is now a key strategy for maximizing savings.
Why Insulation & Air Sealing Come First
Across all programs, one principle is consistent:
👉 You must improve the building envelope before upgrading HVAC systems
Programs like Comfort Home are specifically designed to:
Reduce heat loss
Improve comfort
Allow for smaller, more efficient HVAC systems
This is why insulation and air sealing are often:
Required first steps
Heavily incentivized
Final Takeaway
If you’re a homeowner in New York, 2026 is one of the best times to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency.
Low-income households can access no-cost upgrades through EmPower+
PSEG customers can now stack incentives for deeper savings
Con Edison customers can take advantage of Comfort Home and weatherization rebates
Market-rate homeowners still have access to thousands in rebates
The key is working with a participating contractor who understands how to:
Layer programs correctly
Maximize incentives
Ensure compliance with program requirements
Want Help Qualifying?
If you're unsure what you qualify for, the first step is always the same:
👉 Schedule a home energy assessment
This determines:
Eligibility
Available rebates
Recommended upgrades
From there, we can guide you through the entire process—from paperwork to installation.
