Ulster County Clean Energy Community: NYSERDA, EVs

New York State —

Ulster County Clean Energy Community highlights NYSERDA-led progress: EV charging stations, benchmarking of municipal buildings, climate-smart certification, and Energize NY finance driving emissions reductions, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable infrastructure.

Understanding the Story

A NYSERDA-recognized status earned by Ulster County for completing four high-impact clean energy actions.

Established Energize NY finance program
Installed 9 electric vehicle charging stations
Earned Climate Smart Communities Bronze certification
Adopted benchmarking for municipal building energy use
Eligible for up to $250,000 for added clean energy projects

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), an NYSSGC member, announced that Ulster County completed the steps required to become a Clean Energy Community and will be eligible to apply for up to $250,000 toward additional clean energy projects across New York. Ulster County completed four high-impact clean energy actions: establishing an Energize NY finance program; installing nine electric vehicle charging stations; earning a Climate Smart Communities “Bronze” certification; and adopting benchmarking policies to track and report energy use in municipal buildings. To become a Clean Energy Community, cities, counties, towns, and villages must complete four of 10 high-impact clean energy actions, as renewable project contracts expand statewide;

Benchmarking - Adopt a policy to track progress and report the energy use of buildings.
Clean Energy Upgrades - Achieve 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.
LED Street Lights - Convert street lights to energy efficient LED technology.
Clean Fleets - Install electric vehicle charging stations or deploy alternative fuel vehicles.
Solarize - Undertake a local solarize campaign to increase the number of solar installations on rooftops.
Energy Code Enforcement Training - Train compliance officers in energy code best practices.
Climate Smart Communities Certification - Get certified by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Community Choice Aggregation - Put energy supply choices in your community’s hands, including rural communities across the region.
Energize New York Finance - Offer energy upgrade financing to businesses and non-profits.

Source: Smart Grid Consortium