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.
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:
Total program capacity: $400 million in capital grants for electrical and transmission infrastructure development at qualifying industrial sites across New York state.
The program's core objective is to take years off site development timelines, allowing the state to offer industrial sites that are both:
This proactive approach gives New York competitive advantage over other states in attracting manufacturers in high-growth sectors including:
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.
The POWER UP program will be administered by Empire State Development (ESD) in consultation with the Department of Public Service (DPS).
ESD responsibilities include:
DPS responsibilities include:
This partnership ensures that electrical infrastructure investments align with utility planning and clean energy goals while meeting manufacturing site requirements.
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:
Site requirements:
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.
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:
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.
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:
Civil Infrastructure Work: Site preparation and infrastructure development may include:
Engineering and Design Services: Consulting engineers and design firms will have opportunities to provide:
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.
The program's partnership with the Department of Public Service includes opportunities to bundle clean energy resources with grid infrastructure. This integration may include:
Contractors with expertise in renewable energy systems, battery storage, and smart grid technologies will find opportunities in these infrastructure projects.
Organizations interested in participating in the POWER UP program should:
Additional details regarding the program, application process, and eligibility criteria are available through the Empire State Development website.
OSHA releases seven interpretation letters clarifying workplace safety standards affecting construction, engineering, and industrial operations including confined spaces, training, and equipment use.
Binghamton receives $7.7 million in state financing for new 6th Ward force main and pump station, replacing aging infrastructure and saving $18.8M in interest over time.
New York State approves nine environmental permits for Micron Technology's $100B semiconductor plant in Clay, clearing path for site work to begin on New York's largest private investment.
.svg)
