New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of the Promote Opportunity with Electric Readiness for Underdeveloped Properties (POWER UP) program. This initiative will provide grants aimed at building electrical and transmission infrastructure at industrial sites, focusing on sectors such as semiconductors, agribusiness, and clean technology.
The POWER UP program is designed to create a network of turn-key industrial sites across New York State. The $300 million effort was introduced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address and included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget with an initial allocation of $100 million in grant funding. The program marks a new approach by preparing sites for the energy needs of modern manufacturers before businesses move in.
“Bringing advanced manufacturing businesses that will create good-paying jobs in New York State has been a pillar of my administration, and that requires a proactive strategy that adapts to meet the needs of modern employers,” Governor Hochul said. “As businesses grow and technologies evolve, more power capacity is needed, and POWER UP will help ensure that our sites are shovel-ready and power-ready. We’re investing in our infrastructure today to build New York’s economy of tomorrow.”
The new initiative builds on the FAST NY program, which has already awarded over $283 million to 34 industrial sites throughout Upstate New York. While FAST NY prepares municipal industrial sites, POWER UP focuses specifically on developing their electrical infrastructure. The goal is to reduce development timelines and make New York more attractive for advanced manufacturers by offering locations that are both ready for construction and equipped with necessary power capabilities.
Empire State Development (ESD) will oversee the POWER UP program in partnership with the Department of Public Service (DPS). ESD will ensure funding targets sites suitable for advanced manufacturing, while DPS will assist with utility planning and identifying opportunities for integrating clean energy resources.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated: “As New York works to attract high-growth industries and advanced manufacturers to the state, our strategic investments are creating shovel-ready sites. The POWER UP program will complement those efforts by awarding grants to prepare sites for the increased power needs of these businesses. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to build for the future, and POWER UP will further advance the state’s efforts to attract these dynamic industries and generate new economic growth.”
Rory M. Christian, Chair of the New York State Public Service Commission added: “With utility affordability a major focus for the Commission, Governor Hochul’s innovative POWER UP program will accelerate large capital investments in energy infrastructure that are needed for new business customers without burdening utility ratepayers. We are proud to partner with ESD to make the Governor’s vision a reality.”
Applications open today with interested parties able to submit a Letter of Intent as an initial step. A webinar providing details about applying is scheduled for December 10 at 10:00 a.m., after which formal applications can be submitted through a Consolidated Funding Application process. Eligible applicants include various development agencies, municipalities, utilities, or organizations designated by municipalities engaged in economic development activities. Sites must be at least 40 contiguous developable acres and show readiness based on engineering studies and engagement with electric utility providers.
More information about guidelines and registration can be found online here.
