Energy Affordability Guarantee
The Energy Affordability Guarantee is a pilot program administered by the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS). It was developed as a complement to EmPower+ to ensure that homes that have been electrified through the EmPower+ program will not pay more than 6% of their annual income towards electricity costs. DPS will measure monthly electric consumption and apply a utility bill credit if the households experience an energy burden (electricity) of greater than 6% in each month.
The Pilot has a goal of serving approximately 100 homes in each major utility territory. Municipal electric customers will be unable participate in this Pilot. Homes that have had projects completed after 5/1/23 and have both a Heat Pump for space heating and Heat Pump Water Heater will be eligible. NYSERDA is seeking to increase the numbers of heat pump installations in certain utility areas.
The following EmPower+ program rules have been modified to facilitate heat pump/electrification projects through EmPower+ in utility territories in need of additional eligible projects (Central Hudson, Consolidated Edison, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric):
- Homes that are served by all fuel sources including natural gas will be eligible.
- The maximum allowable ACH50 for homes will be increased to 10.
- Priority provisional approval if contractors flag the project as a candidate for the Guarantee Pilot using a reservation form.
- Lookback dates will be waived to allow for projects that were previously served through EmPower+ to have electrification work completed.
- Cost effectiveness requirements for HPWH-only projects will be waived.
The Energy Affordability Guarantee was introduced during the NYSERDA Home Modernization Monthly Contractor Webinar held on July 11th, 2025. Links to the webinar recording, slides, and other program documents are located below.
Resources
EAG Pilot Reservation Form
EAG Pilot Frequently Asked Questions
NYSERDA Home Modernization Monthly Webinar – 07/11/2025 – Watch Now
NYSERDA Home Modernization Monthly Webinar – 07/11/2025 – Presentation File
EAG Pilot Tracker
| Utility territory | projects needed |
|---|---|
| Central Hudson Gas & Electric | 96 |
| Consolidated Edison | 93 |
| National Grid – Upstate | 36 |
| New York State Electric & Gas | 59 |
| Orange and Rockland | 100 |
| PSEG | 0 |
| Rochester Gas & Electric | 88 |
| Total | 472 |