NYSERDA Launches State’s First Community Campaigns to Install Clean Heating and Cooling Systems in N

Campaigns to Support Workforce Development and Installations in Low-Income Households

$2 Million Now Available in Second Round of Funding Under This Initiative

Supports Governor Cuomo’s Ambitious Clean Energy Goal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 40 Percent by 2030

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the launch of the state’s first community campaigns designed to install clean heating and cooling systems for residents and businesses. Eight organizations will operate the campaigns, which will play a major role in achieving Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s clean energy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.

Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Clean heating and cooling systems will provide users with energy bill savings, increased comfort levels and health benefits compared to conventional heating and cooling technologies. It’s a win-win for consumers and the environment and is another example of how communities are turning to more sustainable energy solutions in support of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Clean Heating and Cooling Community Campaign initiative brings together groups of potential customers so they can obtain discounts for air and ground source heat pumps, biomass heating and solar heating through aggregated purchases and a simplified procurement process. It is also designed to educate and increase the awareness and knowledge of clean heating and cooling technologies among consumers.

Each of the eight organizations will receive $150,000 to manage the campaigns, three of which also applied and are receiving additional funds for workforce development training. The Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, is also receiving pilot funding to test methods of how best to engage low-to-moderate income households in this initiative. In total, NYSERDA is providing $1.66 million toward these campaigns which will be selecting installers in the next few months and will then hold local events to inform and sign up residents and businesses in the following areas:

Central New York

• Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board*

Finger Lakes

• City of Rochester

Mid-Hudson

• Catskill Mountainkeeper

• Energy Improvement Corporation*

• Sustainable Westchester*

Mohawk Valley

• Otsego County Conservation Association

Southern Tier

• Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition*

• Solar Tompkins, Inc.

*Receiving workforce development funds

NYSERDA is also announcing the availability of up to $2 million to help launch additional clean heating and cooling campaigns statewide. More information about the funding is available at NYSERDA’s website. The funding is made available through the State’s Clean Energy Fund.

This is the latest funding being made available to support clean heating and cooling technology. Previously, NYSERDA announced the availability of $15 million in rebates for the installation of ground source heat pump systems for residences, businesses and institutions as well as $10 million to install air-source heat pump systems for residences. The Clean Heating and Cooling Community Campaign initiative is based on the State’s highly successful Solarize campaigns which bring together groups of residents and businesses to install solar. Since 2014, there have been 850 solar projects installed or in development throughout New York, saving participants more than $2.9 million on upfront purchase costs.