Program Announcement

Program/s: EmPower+
To: EmPower+ Contractors
Summary: 2025-26 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Emergency Component Closing Date
Questions: HEAP Bureau (518) 473-0332 or NYSHEAP@otda.ny.gov

Section 2 – Purpose

The announcement below is being sent on behalf of OTDA:

The 2025-2026 HEAP Emergency component will operate through the close of business (COB), Friday, April 24, 2026. Mail-in applications postmarked on or before the closing date meet the deadline and must be processed.

In accordance with instructions found in 26-LCM-02, 25DC093, and the NYS HEAP Manual, applications for Emergency benefits received after the closing date in Rest of State (ROS) must be denied using CNS denial code F08 (HEAP Application Received after HEAP Program Year Closing Date) or, if needed, by using the HEAP Notice of Eligibility Decision – Denial (LDSS-3494B). Emergency applications received after the closing date in New York City (NYC) must be denied using the appropriate local equivalent denial code.

Section 3 – Meeting Energy Emergencies Through Public Assistance (PA)

Households with an emergency or immediate need who are not eligible for assistance through HEAP, either because they applied and were determined ineligible or because the appropriate component is not open, should be referred to PA as per regular district procedures. Assistance for households with a utility emergency may be met year-round if the household is found eligible for such assistance. Non-utility (oil, kerosene, propane, wood, and other fuels besides natural gas or electricity) fuel emergencies may also be referred to PA, however emergency assistance through PA is only available for non-utility fuel emergencies during each district’s cold weather period.

Detailed information on processing PA requests for energy emergencies is outlined in 25DC067. The Emergency Energy Assistance Desk Guide (LDSS-4884) is available to assist in handling energy emergencies. This resource summarizes how both utility and non-utility energy emergencies must be handled for different household types.

Section 4 – Additional Guidance for Districts

Districts must continue to submit their HEAP Pending Case Report in eReports on a weekly basis, as outlined in 26-LCM-02.

This information should be shared with alternate certifiers. Questions can be addressed with each district’s HEAP Bureau liaison.

Program/s: EmPower+
To: EmPower+ Contractors
Summary: UPDATED – Rental Property Energy Efficiency Services Agreement 
Questions: If there are any questions, please contact Contractor Support

An updated version of the Rental Property Energy Efficiency Services Agreement was published to Contractor Support Site on April 1, 2026. The current version can be located here. The updates include clearer language regarding penalties for the default of the agreement per the below:

“Upon default of this Agreement, NYSERDA will be entitled to a refund from the Owner of all monies paid hereunder.  Additionally, NYSERDA will require the disclosure of the Tenants’ name and contact information and the payment of a mandatory legal penalty in an amount not to exceed two times the amount of funding received through the applicable program. NYSERDA will distribute these funds among the tenant’s pro rata which the tenants can use for attorney’s fees or other mitigative measures. If NYSERDA is unable to recover these funds via a demand letter, State Law authorizes NYSERDA to refer collection matters to the Attorney General. See Exec. L. 1; Public Authorities Law § 1858.”

Signed copies of the previous version of the agreement will be accepted through May 30, 2026.  Please start using the current version of the agreement effective immediately.

If there are any questions, please reach out to support.residential@nyserda.ny.gov or call (800)-284-9069.

Program/s: EmPower+
To: EmPower+ Contractors
Summary: HERR Benefit and NFG No-Heat Program Closure
Questions: If there are any questions, please contact Contractor Support

As of April 10, 2026, the 2025-26 Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) benefit has closed. Additionally, on April 17, 2026, National Fuel Gas (NFG) ended their No Heat Program. Customers can receive services through Empower+ by providing the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) denial letter.

NYSERDA’s No-Heat season will still end May 31, 2026, or when funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. The funding tracker is located on the No-Heat Resources page of the Contractor Support site.

If there are any questions, please reach out to support.residential@nyserda.ny.gov or call (800)-284-9069.