Introducing New York’s Regional Clean Energy Hubs

What Support Do Regional Clean Energy Hubs Offer?

At a high-level, the Clean Energy Hubs are a resource for connecting community members to eligible programs, asking questions, and accessing information about clean energy.

According to Collin Adkins, Director for Smart Energy Choices – Mid-Hudson, community members are coming in with a wide range of questions and interests. “We can be a resource to bounce questions off of, a guide to walk through programs, or simply a friendly neighbor to help people learn more about their options before, during, and after a project,” says Adkins.

Since clean energy spans all aspects of the economy, there are a multitude of ways that residents, businesses, and communities might engage with their local Clean Energy Hub. That being said, here are some leading areas that the Clean Energy Hubs can offer their support and expertise.

1. Comparing Options for Energy Upgrades and Technologies

There are a variety of efficiency improvements and clean energy technologies to consider when upgrading your home or business. Your Clean Energy Hub can help you compare options, but importantly, start off on the right foot with an energy assessment.

Most New Yorkers can get a no-cost home energy assessment, while businesses and nonprofits may be eligible for technical support and incentives to complete an energy study or assessment.

Lauren Kroell, an Energy Advisor with Sustainable Westchester, recently connected with a lower-income homeowner who was interested in a variety of energy-saving projects. Lauren helped connect the homeowner to several programs to support insulation and air sealing upgrades, heating system upgrades, and incentives for installing solar panels.

Throughout the process, Lauren was in contact regularly with the customer and the relevant contractors to keep everyone in the loop and the project running smoothly. The customer has since turned into an advocate for these energy programs, attending Clean Energy Hub events and directly connecting the team with community members who are also interested in clean energy and efficiency projects.

Open and continuous communication has a big impact in terms of building trust and ensuring positive outcomes. "Language barriers pose a big obstacle," says Fernando Ahumada, an Energy Advisor serving Orange County. Sometimes these projects turn into a family affair where the children or relatives of homeowners are brought in to help translate or navigate the process.

2. Applying for Energy and Assistance Programs

Determining eligibility and applying for programs can be a barrier to accessing energy assistance and clean energy. Clean Energy Hubs are helping New Yorkers step-by-step through these processes.

“It’s not uncommon for people to require some level of home repairs or emergency assistance before any energy upgrades can be installed,” adds Amanda Catale, Energy Advisor for Putnam County. Such scenarios underscore the value of Clean Energy Hubs’ in-depth knowledge of program offerings. “We are always looking out for ways to blend programs together to get renters and building owners the maximum benefit,” says Catale.

After their experience working with an Energy Advisor, one resident noted, “Amanda got me started on this whole program. They showed me that I am deserving of this and made me feel like I am not taking from someone else by applying for program support.”

3. Navigating Financing for Clean Energy

While energy-assistance programs and incentives are helping lower the cost of clean energy upgrades, financing may be required to plug funding gaps, especially for larger projects or equipment. Adkins notes that the Mid-Hudson region is seeing high interest in energy efficiency, heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicles.

Though all these technologies can qualify for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and New York State programs, there’s low-cost financing available to make clean energy upgrades more affordable. Talking with your Hub can help make sense of your options and strategize how to layer incentives, program funding, and financing for optimal savings.

4. Accessing Job Training and Employment Opportunities

As of 2022, New York State is home to 171,000 clean energy jobs. To meet the demands for renewable energy development, building efficiency and electrification, and other components of the clean energy transition, nearly half-a-million New Yorkers will be employed in clean energy by 2030.

Clean Energy Hubs are fielding questions regularly from community members and businesses about job opportunities and training. “There is a lot of interest in apprenticeship programs and resources to make clean energy career changes possible,” says Cal Trumann, Education & Careers Coordinator with New Yorkers for Clean Power.

“Contractors, too, are eager to learn how to participate in incentive programs, particularly around building performance and HVAC jobs,” says Trumann, adding that there are program rules and guidelines the Hub is helping them get up to speed on.

Learn More: Discover Clean Energy Careers With Roadtrip Nation