New York Allocates $1 Billion to Building and Clean Energy Programs
The package includes $500 million for building upgrades and thermal networks and $300 million for solar and public renewable-energy projects.
- By Danielle Naidu
- September 23, 2026
Energy-efficiency upgrades, heat pumps, solar installations, food-waste reduction and agricultural resiliency projects will receive funding through a $1 billion expansion of New York’s Sustainable Future Program.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) said $500 million will support building decarbonization and energy-cost programs. The allocations include $150 million each for EmPower+, affordable housing upgrades and utility-scale thermal energy networks, along with $50 million for the Clean Green Schools Initiative.
The programs cover home energy assessments, efficiency improvements, heat pumps, weatherization and all-electric multifamily housing. Funding will also support school upgrades intended to reduce emissions and improve indoor air quality, as well as neighborhood-scale heating and cooling systems designed to operate without fossil fuels.
Another $300 million will expand renewable energy. The NY-Sun program will receive $200 million for solar incentives covering homes, multifamily properties, businesses and municipalities. The New York Power Authority will receive $100 million to finance public renewable-energy projects.
The announced allocations also include a combined $87.5 million for food-waste reduction, composting, climate-resilient farming, methane-reduction technology, urban forestry, forest restoration, parks and public lands.
