New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of the Promote Opportunity with Electric Readiness for Underdeveloped Properties (POWER UP) program, a $300 million initiative aimed at preparing industrial sites with necessary electrical and transmission infrastructure. The program is designed to attract high-growth industries such as semiconductors, agribusiness, and cleantech by making sites both power-ready and shovel-ready.
The POWER UP program was first introduced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address and received funding in the FY26 Enacted Budget, which includes an initial $100 million for grants. The goal is to establish an inventory of turn-key industrial sites to support next-generation manufacturers and reinforce New York’s position in reshoring manufacturing.
“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 program builds on the FAST NY initiative, which has awarded over $283 million to 34 sites across Upstate New York since its inception. While FAST NY focuses on site preparation grants for municipalities, POWER UP specifically targets electrical infrastructure development at key industrial locations. This approach aims to reduce site development timelines and offer locations capable of supporting advanced manufacturers considering relocation or expansion into New York.
Empire State Development (ESD) will administer the POWER UP program in collaboration with the Department of Public Service (DPS). ESD will prioritize funding for sites well-positioned for advanced manufacturing operations, while DPS will contribute expertise in utility capital planning and help identify opportunities where clean energy resources can be bundled into project proposals.
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.”
Applications for initial funding are now being accepted. A webinar for potential applicants is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10.
