First Clean Energy Community Officially Designated

New York State -

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. 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;

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

Source: Smart Grid Consortium