NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Program |

CDRPC provides free technical assistance to local governments in the Capital Region pursuing NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program. Through this program, local governments are encouraged to implement clean energy actions, save energy costs, create jobs, and improve the environment. In addition to providing tools, resources, and technical assistance, the program recognizes and rewards leadership for the completion of a number of clean energy initiatives.

The Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC) serves as the manager of the Eastern Upstate New York Territory for the Clean Energy Communities (CEC) program, which is delivered through a unique partnership of regional agencies that administer the program in four NYS Economic Development Council Regions: the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, and Mid-Hudson regions.

The Eastern Upstate NY Territory Team includes CDRPC, the Adirondack North Country Association, the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and the Hudson Valley Regional Council. The Team is also supported by Climate Action Associates, LLC and Courtney Strong, Inc.

At no cost to local governments, CDRPC is available to assist municipal leaders:

• Develop and prioritize clean energy goals
• Access guidance resources such as templates for legislation, procurement, and contracts
• Take advantage of available funding and technical assistance opportunities

Grant Funding:

Communities can earn up to a maximum total of $965,000 for large communities and $590,000 for small communities. Grants are awarded incrementally as communities achieve points, per the chart below.

Additionally, conduct a Community Campaign for Community Solar, Electric Vehicles, or Clean Heating & Cooling to earn more grants! Maximum campaign grants are $290,000 for large communities and $97,500 for small communities.

CEC Resources:

• PON 3.0 Guidance Document
• CEC 3.0 Webinar | Slideshow
• High-Impact Action Toolkits
• Check your CEC Scorecard to see your community’s approved actions and points
• CEC HIA Documentation Submission Portal

Program Resources developed by the Eastern Upstate New York Territory Team:

• Webinars

• Newsletters

• Workshops:

  • Nov. 1, 2016: PACE Workshop in Mohawk, NY
  • February 14, 2017: Community Choice Aggregation at TEC-SMART: Agenda, Slides and Event Video
  • May 9, 2017: Buying Power 101 Presentation and Buying Power 101 Video Presentation
  • August 9, 2017:  LED Street Lights: Procurement, Technology and Regulatory Issues for Municipalities Video Presentation 
  • January 10, 2018 EV workshop: Paving the Way for Electric Vehicles Presentation 
  • April 11, 2018 MVEDD workshop: Economics of Owning vs. Renting LED Street Lights in National Grid and NYSEG territories, Financing Overview, Key Decision Toward Conversion, Street Lighting Acquisition and Conversion, Technology Considerations, Agenda
  • October 26, 2018: HVRC Navigating Large-Scale Solar Development in Your Community: A Tour in Orange County for Mid-Hudson Municipal Officials: Agenda
  • March 26, 2019: How Your Community Can Engage with the Climate Smart Communities Program: Agenda

Partner Outreach Coordinator Contacts in the Eastern Upstate New York Territory

Mohawk Valley Region – Mohawk Valley Economic Development District

Amanda Whalen
315-866-4671
akaier@mvedd.org

North Country Region – Adirondack North Country Assn.

Jill Henck
518-891-6200
jhenck@adirondack.org

Hudson Valley Region – Hudson Valley Regional Council

Eleanor Peck
845-564-4075
epeck@hudsonvalleyrc.org