EmPower+ will continue to deliver for New York families
When it comes to helping New Yorkers lower their energy bills and make their homes more comfortable, especially during extreme weather, few programs have been as impactful as EmPower+.
That’s why it’s important to set the record straight: despite what some have claimed, funding for EmPower+ has not been cut. The program remains a central piece of Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda and continues to deliver results for tens of thousands of low- and moderate-income households across the state.
Since 2023, EmPower+ has enabled nearly 42,000 projects, building on two decades of success. These projects—ranging from insulation and air sealing to efficient heating and cooling systems—have already saved families an estimated $25.8 million in yearly energy costs. For the average household, that means around $600 a year in savings. In times of high energy prices, those savings matter. They free up money for groceries, medical bills, and other essentials, while also helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improving indoor air quality.
So where did the reports of “cuts” come from? The misperception stems from how EmPower+ funding is structured, which is through a variety of sources including utility ratepayer collections and the state budget. In 2023, the program received a one-time infusion of $200 million in the state budget intended to be spent over two years, not indefinitely. This infusion allowed the program to ramp up production between 2023 and 2025 by 30% for two years in a row, making it the largest program of its kind in the country, without putting additional strain on ratepayer collections. In addition, the Governor was able to secure another $50 million in this year’s budget through the $1 billion Sustainable Future Program. Far from pulling money away, the state has kept resources flowing while strengthening the long-term path for the program.
The Public Service Commission (PSC)—the state regulator overseeing energy efficiency and clean energy programs—has also reinforced this commitment. In May 2025, the PSC issued the Energy Efficiency and Building Electrification (EE/BE) order that actually increased the share of clean energy funding dedicated to low- and moderate-income consumers, raising it from 20% under the Clean Energy Fund to 30% for LMI consumers under EE/BE. That translates into an annual increase of $132 million for these households, with nearly $50 million more per year specifically for EmPower+.
On top of that, NYSERDA recently directed $15 million from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to the program, allowing roughly 1,600 more households to benefit right away, and is contemplating additional funding resources to further maintain the stability of the program.
Like any program in high demand, EmPower+ has to adjust its operations based on available resources. So, when applications surged faster than anticipated in the beginning of 2025, NYSERDA implemented measures to actively manage the project pipeline within foreseeable budgets. This included a temporary pause on new contractor-submitted applications that was announced in July to ensure the program could continue operating smoothly and predictably. This was not a sign of retreat, but rather a responsible step to balance near-term demand with long-term stability. Importantly, this pause has nothing to do with the dedication or effectiveness of contractors, who remain essential partners in connecting New Yorkers to this critical program.
The truth is that EmPower+ is as strong as ever. The state is not backing away—it’s doubling down. By focusing resources on the households that need them most, and by managing applications responsibly, the program will continue to help New Yorkers lower their bills and upgrade their homes well into the future.
Governor Hochul’s commitment is clear: affordability and clean energy go hand in hand. EmPower+ is proof that smart investments can deliver real results for families, and those results are only growing. The misinformation stops here—EmPower+ will continue to deliver for New York families.
Doreen M. Harris serves as President and CEO of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
