Clean Energy Funding Webinar
Municipal Stakeholders Invited to Clean Energy Funding Webinar
Regional organizations aim to increase communities' access to $25 million in State funds
Press Release February 23, 2024
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. — Municipal leaders, staff and community members are invited to a free webinar designed to help communities benefit from $25 million in new funding now available through the New York Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program. The CEC Program recognizes local clean energy leadership, provides match-free grants, helps reduce municipal energy use, lowers costs, and offers additional support for projects located in disadvantaged communities.
The lunchtime webinar, hosted by the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), New York State Tug Hill Commission, Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD), and Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (CNY RPDB), will take place virtually on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
“NYSERDA’s new round of Clean Energy Communities funding provides a great opportunity for North Country communities that are interested in implementing energy saving projects,” said ANCA Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) Nancy Bernstein. “We are eager to help connect more communities with this funding and the many benefits that come with transitioning to more sustainable energy options.”
Webinar participants will receive an overview of the newest changes to the program, including updated and increased levels of funding and updated high-impact actions communities can implement in order to secure project grants. Representatives from the Village of Pulaski will join a discussion about the community’s experiences with the CEC Program. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of CEC Coordinators from the North Country and other areas of the state.
Bernstein said ANCA is happy to partner with organizations in the Tug Hill region in order to extend CEC Program benefits to more communities in that part of New York State.
As CEC Coordinators for the North Country, ANCA ECRs work closely with local governments in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties to help them access grant funding for clean energy projects and earn recognition for implementing high impact actions that increase resilience and economic opportunity in their communities. Coordinators help communities identify and prioritize energy goals and provide support and guidance for accessing resources and grant opportunities. They can also help communities leverage other state and federal grant opportunities to increase project size and impact.
To date, 54 North Country municipalities have received CEC designation and/or grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $250,000. ANCA has supported 99 communities in completing one or more CEC high impact action items, including energy code enforcement training, LED street lights, municipal electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and community campaigns that promote clean energy technologies and programs.
New York State launched “Clean Energy Communities 3.0” in December 2023, making available over $25 million in grant funding for clean energy projects statewide. ANCA Clean Energy Program Director Jill Henck stressed key changes in the CEC Program since its most recent Leadership Round, including a significant increase in match-free grant dollars and an easier process for small communities to access funds for projects.
She said the strong network of partner organizations across the North Country — including the Tug Hill Commission, MVEDD, and CNY RPDB in the Tug Hill region — is instrumental in assisting more communities and offering learning opportunities like the February 29 webinar.
“We are grateful to the partner organizations whose relationships with local leaders and understanding of their communities’ energy needs are critical to this regional effort. Together, we’re able to help more of our rural region’s towns and villages secure funding for projects that will make a lasting difference for residents and businesses,” Henck said.
The Clean Energy Communities webinar will take place virtually on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Registration is open at http://tinyurl.com/THcleanenergy.
Learn more about CEC at www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities.