No-Heat Resources

NYSERDA has updated the No-Heat Guidelines, found in Section 5.7 of the 2026 EmPower+ Program Manual, to provide guidance on the submission of No-Heat projects through EmPower+. These guidelines are effective from October 1, 2026 through the close of heating season on April 15, 2027 or until funding is no longer available. As a reminder, EmPower+ may only be used as a last resort option for no-heat emergencies where the homeowner has already exhausted all other public assistance options to obtain a functioning heating system.

Below is a summary of the changes for 2026-2027.

• The total available No-Heat EmPower+ funding for the 2026-27 heating season is $1,000,000. EmPower+ will provide a page on the contractor support site that will post updated statuses of the available funding.
• The maximum No-Heat incentive is $6,000, regardless of heating system type.
  • If the project cost exceeds the available funding, households are encouraged to access low-interest financing through Green Jobs Green New York or work with their Clean Energy Hub to see if other funding opportunities are available in their area.
• No heat incentives are reserved and made available to low-income households.
• Incentives are not available for rental units unless the building is owner-occupied and the building owner is income eligible.
• Customers must first apply to OTDA Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) Program before applying to EmPower+ for No-Heat assistance.
  • They must provide either a denial or approval letter to NYSERDA.
    • If they receive a denial letter, they can take advantage of the full $6,000 amount of EmPower+ funding.
    • If they receive an approval letter, the amount they receive from HERR will be deducted from the cost of the heating system and NYSERDA will cover the remaining costs up to $6,000. NYSERDA will monitor heating system costs to make sure they align with market costs.
• Contractors and customers must complete the No-Heat Attestation Form and submit as part of the project submission paperwork.

Resources
2026 EmPower+ Program Manual
No Heat Attestation Form
NYSERDA Home Modernization Webinar – 09/11/2026 – Watch Now
NYSERDA Home Modernization Webinar – 09/11/2026 – Presentation File

Remaining Funding	Last Updated
$1,000,000.00	09/11/2026