New York Energy Rebates 2026: HOMES, HEAR & Utility Programs
New York's Energy Rebate Framework
New York's energy rebate ecosystem is anchored by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), which administers both state programs and coordinates with federal HEAR and HOMES programs. Unlike some states where programs compete or create redundant applications, New York has done significant work to create coordinated pathways.
The result: a New York homeowner doing a comprehensive electrification project — heat pump, water heater, insulation, panel upgrade — can navigate a relatively coherent set of programs that layer well together. The complexity is still real, but experienced NYSERDA-enrolled contractors often handle most of the application work.
Federal HEAR Program in New York
New York fully implemented the HEAR program, administered through NYSERDA. Maximum HEAR rebates for New York households:
| Equipment Category | Maximum Rebate | Income Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump (space heating) | $8,000 | Below 150% AMI |
| Electrical panel upgrade | $4,000 | Below 150% AMI |
| Wiring | $2,500 | Below 150% AMI |
| Heat pump water heater | $1,750 | Below 150% AMI |
| Insulation and air sealing | $1,600 | Below 150% AMI |
| Induction range/electric stove | $840 | Below 150% AMI |
| Electric dryer | $840 | Below 150% AMI |
New York's AMI varies significantly by region. New York City metro AMI (family of 4) is approximately $129,500. Upstate areas like Buffalo or Syracuse have AMIs closer to $80,000–$95,000. The geographic variation means a household earning $100,000 may be in different income tiers depending on where in New York they live. Check the New York income eligibility guide for your specific area.
NYSERDA Clean Heat Program
NYSERDA's Clean Heat program provides rebates for heat pump installations separate from (and stackable with) federal HEAR:
- Ducted heat pump: $500–$1,500 depending on system size and efficiency tier
- Ductless mini-split (single zone): $500
- Ductless mini-split (whole home): Up to $2,000
- Ground-source (geothermal) heat pump: Enhanced rebates up to $3,000
Clean Heat is available statewide but accessed through NYSERDA-enrolled contractors. The combination of Clean Heat plus HEAR for a low-income household can reach $10,000–$14,000 in heat pump support alone.
EmPower+ New York
EmPower+ is NYSERDA's income-qualified program for energy efficiency improvements. For households at or below 80% of AMI, EmPower+ provides direct services — NYSERDA pays contractors directly for approved work — covering insulation, weatherization, and in some cases heating equipment.
EmPower+ benefits can include:
- Free home energy assessment
- Free insulation and air sealing
- Free heating system improvements or replacement (in qualifying circumstances)
- Health and safety measures
There's often a waitlist for EmPower+ services in high-demand areas. Apply early through your regional NYSERDA office. Participation in EmPower+ typically accelerates income verification for other programs including HEAR.
NY-Sun Megawatt Block (Solar)
New York's NY-Sun program continues distributing incentives for residential solar. The Megawatt Block structure means per-watt incentive values decline as each block fills:
- Con Edison territory: approximately $0.15–$0.25 per watt for residential systems
- National Grid upstate: typically higher per-watt rates, $0.20–$0.40
- PSEG Long Island: varies by current block status
A 7 kW system in Con Edison territory might earn $1,400–$2,100 from NY-Sun. This is separate from the NYSERDA Clean Energy Fund financing options, which can provide favorable loan terms for solar projects.
See how NY-Sun compares to other remaining solar incentives at solar rebates still available in 2026.
Utility Programs: Con Edison, National Grid, PSEG Long Island
Consolidated Edison (New York City and Westchester)
- Smart thermostat rebate: $100–$150
- HVAC tune-up program: Discounted A/C tune-ups to improve efficiency
- EmPower+ partnership: Con Ed coordinates with NYSERDA for income-qualified customers
- Electric heat pump incentive: Additional $300–$600 above NYSERDA Clean Heat for qualifying systems
National Grid (Upstate New York)
- Heat pump rebate: Up to $1,000 for qualifying installations
- Smart thermostat: $75
- Home performance program: Rebates for air sealing and insulation ($750–$2,000 depending on improvements)
- Low-income programs: Enhanced rebates for National Grid income-qualified customers
PSEG Long Island
- Heat pump rebate: Up to $1,500
- Heat pump water heater: $500
- Energy Smart program: Comprehensive home performance with rebates
Check your utility's current program at New York utility rebates.
New York's Green Bank (NY Green Bank)
NY Green Bank provides financing for clean energy projects — not grants or rebates, but favorable financing that makes projects financially accessible without relying entirely on upfront incentives.
Products include:
- Low-interest loans for heat pump and solar installations
- On-bill financing (repaid through utility bills)
- Commercial and multifamily financing for buildings upgrading multiple units
For homeowners who don't qualify for maximum rebate programs but are doing significant projects, NY Green Bank financing at 2–4% rates can be substantially better than contractor financing or personal loans at 6–12%.
New York's HOMES Program
New York implemented its HOMES program through the existing home performance infrastructure. To qualify:
- Get a home energy assessment from a NYSERDA-certified Home Performance contractor
- Install qualifying improvements that achieve 20%+ modeled energy savings
- Submit application with energy model documentation
New York's home performance contractor network (through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program) has been operating since 2010. Contractors are experienced with energy modeling and rebate documentation. This is one of the most mature HOMES implementation environments in the country.
The Maximum Stack for a New York Low-Income Household
For a household below 80% AMI in National Grid territory replacing an oil furnace with a heat pump, upgrading insulation, and updating the panel:
| Program | Category | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| HEAR | Heat pump | $8,000 |
| HEAR | Panel upgrade | $4,000 |
| HEAR | Insulation | $1,600 |
| NYSERDA Clean Heat | Heat pump | $2,000 |
| National Grid | Heat pump | $1,000 |
| EmPower+ | Insulation/weatherization | $1,500 (est.) |
| HOMES | 35%+ savings | $8,000 |
| Total | $26,100 |
New York oil heat households are particularly well-positioned for electrification economics. Heating oil at $3.00–$4.00/gallon creates high heating costs; a heat pump typically cuts those costs by 50–70% in New York's climate when replacing oil.
New York City Specific: Local Law 97
New York City's Local Law 97 mandates emissions reductions for large buildings (over 25,000 square feet) starting in 2024, with stricter limits in 2030. While this primarily affects commercial and multifamily building owners rather than single-family homeowners, it's creating a robust market for heat pump and electrification contractors in the city — which benefits single-family homeowners through better contractor availability and competitive pricing.
Use the heat pump rebate calculator to estimate your specific New York savings scenario.