Low Carbon Pathways for Multifamily Buildings Program

The Low Carbon Pathways for Multifamily Buildings Program Opportunity Notice (PON) 4701 is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation in New York State that advances innovative energy solutions in ways that improve New York’s economy and environment. Through this initiative, NYSERDA is offering up to $33.7 million in funding to support the decarbonization and electrification of multifamily buildings across New York State. The program encourages a phased retrofit approach, leveraging points such as equipment replacement, tenant turnover, and compliance with local laws to facilitate strategic upgrades that align with building capital planning cycles. The goal of the program is to help property owners implement one or more low carbon or electrification measure packages. These include building envelope upgrades such as wall and roof insulation and high-performance windows, electrification of heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems, and energy-efficient appliance replacements like induction stoves and heat pump dryers. The measure packages are designed to be modular and can be implemented individually or in combination, either sequentially or concurrently, based on building-specific needs and readiness. Funding is contingent on implementing all required measures within a chosen package, and applicants may receive additional bonus incentives by incorporating recommended add-on upgrades. The program distinguishes between Low- to Moderate-Income (LMI) and market-rate housing, with incentive caps set at $1,000,000 and $750,000 respectively. A parent organization can receive a maximum of $3,000,000 in total incentives. For market-rate projects, the required cost share is 50% until June 30, 2025, increasing to 65% thereafter. LMI projects are subject to a consistent 25% cost share requirement. Funding recipients must submit documentation of all other funding sources to ensure the combined incentives do not exceed total project costs. Incentives are distributed in milestone payments—pre-construction, partial installation, and project completion—based on verification and field inspections. In addition to the general program, a pilot initiative supports the installation of induction stoves in multifamily buildings serving LMI residents in New York City and Westchester County. This Induction Stove Pilot includes funding for cookware and ancillary electrical upgrades. To participate, buildings must apply via the main Low Carbon Pathways application and designate the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) as the implementation partner and incentive payee. This pilot aims to gather case studies and assess cost drivers and barriers for broader electrification efforts. Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Submission materials include a signed application form (Attachment B), a letter of commitment (Attachment C), and a W-9 for both the applicant and designated payee. Applications are accepted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis while funds are available. Once a completed application is submitted, NYSERDA will schedule a kickoff meeting. Projects must submit pre-construction deliverables within 90 days of award notification, achieve partial installation (for certain upgrades), and complete construction within two years. All work must be finalized by October 31, 2027, and milestone documentation submitted in time for final NYSERDA approval by December 31, 2027. Questions related to the program should be directed to MFLowCarbonPathways@nyserda.ny.gov. Contractual matters may be addressed to James Cowman at jim.solicitations@nyserda.ny.gov or by phone at (518) 862-1090 ext. 3652.