On-site Energy Manager Grant Program

The On-site Energy Manager Program (PON 3701) is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), a public authority dedicated to advancing energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and sustainability initiatives across New York State. This program is designed to demonstrate the value of embedding a dedicated On-site Energy Manager within eligible facilities to drive measurable improvements in energy performance, operational efficiency, and overall profitability. By supporting this role, NYSERDA aims to establish energy management as a standard business practice across commercial, industrial, and multifamily sectors. The primary objective of the program is to validate the business case for an On-site Energy Manager by funding cost-shared engagements that focus on identifying and implementing operational and process improvements. These improvements may include energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance optimization, behavioral changes, cost management strategies, and resource conservation such as water savings. The program also emphasizes knowledge sharing, requiring participants to document and disseminate lessons learned, case studies, and best practices to encourage broader adoption across similar facilities. Funding is structured as a cost-share arrangement in which NYSERDA contributes a portion of the On-site Energy Manager’s salary or consulting costs. The program caps support at up to two hundred thousand dollars for facilities with higher energy expenditures and up to one hundred thousand dollars for smaller facilities, with additional bonus incentives available for continued engagement and demonstrated energy savings after the initial term. Funds are strictly limited to supporting the energy manager role and related technical assistance, and cannot be used for capital equipment purchases or implementation costs. Participants are required to provide a financial contribution and demonstrate a commitment to sustaining the role beyond the program period. Eligibility is limited to commercial, industrial, and multifamily facilities located within New York State that do not currently employ a dedicated energy manager. Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for the role, commit to a minimum engagement period of twelve months, and agree to share performance data and outcomes. Additional requirements include participation in cost-sharing, adherence to defined scopes of work, and submission of detailed application materials such as project concepts, budgets, and resumes or job descriptions for the proposed energy manager. Applications are submitted through the NYSERDA online portal and are accepted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted or the program end date is reached. Required submission components include a completed application form, a detailed scope of work outlining energy reduction goals and deliverables, a comprehensive budget, and supporting documentation such as resumes or letters of commitment when applicable. NYSERDA reviews applications for completeness, technical merit, cost reasonableness, and alignment with program objectives, and may engage applicants in revisions during the review process. The program operates on a continuous timeline with applications accepted through December 31, 2030, or until funds are fully committed. Selected participants enter into agreements outlining performance expectations, reporting requirements, and invoicing procedures. Projects typically span multiple years, with work required to commence within six months of approval and conclude within a defined period. Participants may be eligible for additional bonus funding if they retain the energy manager role and demonstrate continued energy savings. Questions and application support are available through designated NYSERDA program contacts, ensuring applicants have guidance throughout the process.

Demonstrate strong energy savings potential that justifies cost share and clearly define the OsEM role integration and measurable outcomes