Owner’s Representative Services for Multifamily Buildings Program

The Owner’s Representative Services for Multifamily Buildings Program (PON 5899) is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), a state agency responsible for advancing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives across New York State. This program is designed to address a growing market gap in the decarbonization of under-resourced multifamily buildings, particularly those that lack the internal capacity, staffing, or technical expertise to plan and implement energy efficiency upgrades. NYSERDA’s broader mission aligns with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and this program contributes directly to statewide emissions reduction and building performance goals. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial support and technical assistance to owners and managers of existing multifamily buildings in New York State. Through this initiative, applicants are matched with pre-qualified Owner’s Representatives who serve as independent advisors. These representatives guide building owners through complex decision-making processes, project planning, contractor selection, and implementation of decarbonization and energy efficiency measures. The program is particularly focused on projects that are stalled due to resource constraints or uncertainty about how to initiate upgrades. Funding under this program is structured as a cost-share model with a maximum total support of up to 35000 dollars per project. NYSERDA fully covers the first 20000 dollars of approved project costs. For the remaining 15000 dollars, affordable housing projects receive up to 75 percent coverage, while market-rate projects receive up to 50 percent. Funds are not paid directly to the building owner but instead to the assigned Owner’s Representative, tied to milestone completion. Allowable uses include planning, bid management, financial analysis, construction oversight, and project closeout services. The funding is intended to support a defined set of service categories rather than direct capital improvements. Eligible applicants include owners or managers of existing multifamily buildings located in New York State that meet specific criteria. Buildings must have at least two residential units, be in operation for more than one year if newly renovated, and be customers contributing to the System Benefits Charge. Additional eligibility pathways include being located in a disadvantaged community, meeting affordable housing criteria, having condominium or cooperative ownership structures, or containing 50 or fewer dwelling units. The program is targeted toward under-resourced properties that face barriers to implementing decarbonization projects. Applications are submitted through an online JotForm platform or via email or mail if necessary. Applicants must complete required forms, agree to participation terms, and provide supporting documentation such as project details and building information. Upon submission, NYSERDA reviews applications and assigns a project manager. A screening and kickoff process follows, including a scoping session to determine project fit. If approved, applicants proceed to develop an Energy Efficiency Pathways Initial Plan, followed by implementation and reporting phases. The program operates on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis, with applications accepted through December 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time or until funding is exhausted. Key milestones include initial plan development within 30 days, monthly progress reporting, and submission of a final plan within one year. Evaluation is based on eligibility, project readiness, and alignment with program goals rather than a competitive scoring process. Questions can be directed to the program email, and a project manager is assigned after approval to support ongoing coordination. The program is not explicitly recurring but may be extended or supplemented with additional funding at NYSERDA’s discretion.

Ensure project readiness and clearly define scope and goals; align project with decarbonization objectives; prepare for ongoing reporting and coordination with assigned representative