Affordable Multifamily Program Upstate (AMP Up)

The Affordable Multifamily Program Upstate (AMP Up) is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a public benefit corporation established to advance energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and environmental protection across New York State. The program was launched in 2026 under Program Opportunity Notice 6088 to address persistent barriers in upgrading affordable multifamily housing, including high upfront costs, technical complexity, and workforce limitations. It is designed specifically for multifamily buildings in upstate New York, with a focus on low to moderate income housing where at least a portion of residents meet defined income thresholds. The primary purpose of AMP Up is to provide financial incentives and comprehensive technical support to building owners seeking to implement energy efficiency, electrification, and resilience upgrades. The program aims to reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs, and improve tenant comfort while also increasing long term property value. Eligible improvements range from simple appliance replacements to comprehensive deep energy retrofits. In addition, the program supports resilience enhancements that mitigate risks from climate hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, and wind, provided these enhancements are tied to qualifying energy measures. Funding under AMP Up is structured through multiple incentive categories that can be layered to maximize support. These categories include appliances, prescriptive measures, weatherization, electrification, and deep retrofits, each with defined per unit incentive caps. Projects may receive up to 85 percent of total project costs for smaller low rise buildings and up to 70 percent for larger buildings. Technical assistance and concierge services are also supported, often covering up to 100 percent of approved costs. Incentives are distributed across project milestones, including scope development, construction start, partial completion, and final completion, ensuring financial support throughout the project lifecycle. Eligibility is limited to existing multifamily buildings in upstate New York with at least five total units and a minimum percentage of residential space. Additionally, projects must meet income eligibility criteria, requiring at least 25 percent of units to be occupied by households earning no more than 80 percent of the area or state median income. Certain geographic exclusions apply, including buildings located in specific downstate utility service territories. Both system benefits charge paying and non paying customers may participate, broadening access across different utility structures. The application process is contractor driven and begins with submission of an interest form. Applicants must engage a participating contractor from the NYSERDA Multifamily Contractor Network, who assists with preparing and submitting the application through the Multifamily Energy Portal. The process includes an initial scoping call, development of a technical assistance plan and budget, and submission of required documentation such as income verification, energy data, and project scope details. Upon approval, applicants receive an incentive offer letter outlining projected funding and project requirements. Project implementation follows a structured multi stage timeline. Stage one focuses on scope development and energy assessment, followed by construction initiation in stage two. Optional partial completion and final completion stages allow for progressive verification and incentive disbursement. Projects must meet strict documentation, quality assurance, and performance standards throughout. Deadlines are enforced for each stage, including a 120 day window for initial deliverables and a two year completion requirement from approval. The program operates on a recurring basis throughout its initial term from 2026 through 2030, allowing buildings to participate multiple times with new scopes of work. NYSERDA provides ongoing support through assigned project managers, technical guidance, and coordination with other funding programs. Contact for program inquiries is available via email and phone, and detailed guidance is provided in the official program manual.

Ensure project scope maximizes stacked incentives across categories; work closely with a participating contractor early; prioritize measures that deliver measurable energy savings and meet minimum performance standards; prepare complete documentation to avoid delays