New York Opens $400M POWER UP Infrastructure Program for Industrial Sites

Governor Hochul Launches Initiative to Prepare Power-Ready, Shovel-Ready Industrial Sites Across New York State

New York is taking a major step forward in competitive site development. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the POWER UP program (Promote Opportunity with Electric Readiness for Underdeveloped Properties), a $400 million infrastructure initiative designed to prepare industrial sites with electrical and transmission infrastructure to attract next-generation manufacturers, announced December 11, 2025.

For construction firms, electrical contractors, engineers, and infrastructure developers across New York state, this program represents significant opportunities in electrical infrastructure, site work, and industrial development preparation.

$400 Million Phased Funding for Industrial Site Readiness

The POWER UP program represents a fundamental shift in New York's approach to industrial site development by proactively preparing sites for the energy demands of next-generation manufacturers. Governor Hochul introduced the program in her 2025 State of the State address.

Funding structure includes:

• $100 million in grant funding already included in the FY26 Enacted Budget
• Up to $300 million in additional capital grant funding subject to additional appropriation

Total program capacity: $400 million in capital grants for electrical and transmission infrastructure development at qualifying industrial sites across New York state.

Program Goals: Power-Ready and Shovel-Ready Sites

The program's core objective is to take years off site development timelines, allowing the state to offer industrial sites that are both:

• Power-ready - with electrical and transmission infrastructure fully developed and available
• Shovel-ready - prepared for immediate construction and manufacturing operations to commence

This proactive approach gives New York competitive advantage over other states in attracting manufacturers in high-growth sectors including:

• Semiconductors
• Agribusinesses
• Cleantech and renewable energy

By reducing site development timelines, New York positions itself to attract corporate headquarters, manufacturing operations, and research facilities that might otherwise consider competing sites in other states.

Strategic Coordination: ESD and Department of Public Service Partnership

The POWER UP program will be administered by Empire State Development (ESD) in consultation with the Department of Public Service (DPS).

ESD responsibilities include:

• Overall program administration
• Grant funding decisions
• Project site evaluation and selection

DPS responsibilities include:

• Utility capital planning expertise
• Identification of opportunities to bundle clean energy resources with grid infrastructure
• Coordination with electric utility providers

This partnership ensures that electrical infrastructure investments align with utility planning and clean energy goals while meeting manufacturing site requirements.

Eligibility Requirements and Application Process

The program is now accepting applications for interested parties. Organizations may submit a Letter of Intent as the first step in the application process.

Eligible applicants include:

• Industrial development agencies
• Local development corporations
• Municipalities
• Municipally designated economic development organizations
• Utilities

Site requirements:

• Minimum 40 contiguous developable acres
• High-level readiness demonstrated through:
  • Preliminary engineering studies
  • Feasibility assessments
  • Engagement with electric utility providers

Applicants must have ownership or control of the site or provide written consent from the ownership entity. This requirement ensures that funded projects will move forward without ownership disputes or delays.

Builds on Previous FAST NY Program Success

The POWER UP program builds upon the continued success of FAST NY (Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers Showplace), which has awarded more than $283 million to 34 sites statewide.

Key FAST NY achievements:

• $283+ million awarded to 34 sites across New York state
• Proven model for site preparation and infrastructure investment
• Track record of attracting manufacturing investment

POWER UP extends this success by focusing specifically on electrical infrastructure at key industrial sites, recognizing that power availability and capacity are critical limiting factors for attracting advanced manufacturers.

What This Means for New York Contractors and Construction Professionals

The POWER UP program creates significant opportunities for construction firms, electrical contractors, and infrastructure developers across New York state:

Electrical Infrastructure Projects: Successful applicants will need experienced electrical contractors and engineers to design and install high-capacity electrical systems serving industrial sites. This includes:

• Electrical distribution infrastructure
• Substation design and construction
• Transmission system upgrades
• Power generation interconnection systems

Civil Infrastructure Work: Site preparation and infrastructure development may include:

• Grading and site development
• Utilities installation (water, sewer, telecommunications)
• Road and access improvements
• Environmental site assessments and remediation

Engineering and Design Services: Consulting engineers and design firms will have opportunities to provide:

• Site master planning
• Electrical system design
• Feasibility studies
• Environmental engineering
• Construction administration

Regional Economic Development: By improving site readiness, the POWER UP program creates conditions for manufacturing investment and job creation, generating construction employment during site preparation and ongoing operations.

Clean Energy Integration Opportunities

The program's partnership with the Department of Public Service includes opportunities to bundle clean energy resources with grid infrastructure. This integration may include:

• Renewable energy generation systems
• Energy storage facilities
• Smart grid technologies
• Microgrid development

Contractors with expertise in renewable energy systems, battery storage, and smart grid technologies will find opportunities in these infrastructure projects.

Timeline and Next Steps

Organizations interested in participating in the POWER UP program should:

• Submit a Letter of Intent as the first application step
• Contact Empire State Development for application details and guidance
• Ensure sites meet 40-acre minimum and readiness requirements
• Begin preliminary engineering and utility engagement early in the process

Additional details regarding the program, application process, and eligibility criteria are available through the Empire State Development website.