New York Construction Report staff writer
More than $125 million is now available to support energy efficiency, electrification and resiliency upgrades in affordable multifamily housing across upstate New York through a new state program aimed at reducing energy costs and improving building performance.
The Affordable Multifamily Program Upstate (AMP Up), administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), offers incentives for a range of upgrades in eligible residential buildings, from basic efficiency improvements such as insulation and air sealing to more extensive retrofits including heating system replacements, window upgrades and full building modernization projects.
A webinar outlining program details is scheduled for April 28.
“Our building sector is the largest contributor to emissions in New York, making the decarbonization of existing multifamily housing of all kinds critical as we work towards a clean energy economy,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “The newly established AMP Up program will serve as a one-stop shop for affordable, multifamily buildings in upstate New York, providing much needed energy efficiency, resiliency, and technical support funding to reduce emissions, lower utility costs, and improve comfort.”
The program is intended as a centralized delivery model for building improvements, combining financial incentives with technical support and project guidance for owners of affordable multifamily properties located north of Con Edison’s service territory. Eligible buildings must contain at least five units, with at least 25 per cent of households earning at or below 80 per cent of area or state median income.
Officials say the initiative will reduce utility costs, improve indoor comfort and expand access to clean energy technologies in lower- and moderate-income housing.
The program also includes a resiliency component focused on climate-related risks such as flooding and extreme heat. A pilot stream will support projects that incorporate protective upgrades aimed at improving long-term building durability.
In addition to funding, AMP Up provides a concierge-style support service to assist building owners through each stage of a project, including planning, application support, building assessments, construction oversight and project completion.
With a goal of simplifying participation by aligning technical guidance with financing tools and working directly with participating contractors who handle applications and documentation, AMP Up replaces the previous utility-administered Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program for upstate regions and is now the primary ratepayer-funded program of its kind for that area. The earlier program remains active for downstate customers.
The building sector remains one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, making upgrades to existing housing stock a key part of broader climate and energy policy goals. More than $5.6 billion has been invested statewide in building decarbonization and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems through public programs.
