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The program will improve community engagement and ensure disadvantaged communities benefit from New York’s clean energy transition
September 23, 2021
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new $ 36 million initiative to establish and support regional clean energy centers as outreach, awareness and education centers in each of the ten regions of the Regional Council of Economic Development (REDC), to enhance community engagement and ensure all new Yorkers can benefit from the state’s clean energy transition.
Today’s announcement supports New York State’s ambitious clean energy and climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), including the national goal aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 and the requirement to provide at least 35% of benefits, with a target of 40%, from investments in clean energy to underprivileged communities.
“Community outreach and inclusion are paramount to ensuring that all New Yorkers, regardless of location or situation, can benefit from our state’s national transition to clean energy.” Governor Hochul said. “This new initiative fosters collaboration and partnerships within New York City communities to ensure that residents not only participate in this movement, but can have their voices heard and contribute to the implementation of energy programs.” clean in the future. ”
Today’s announcement was made by Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin in Yonkers.
“Creating clean energy centers in every region of the state will help underserved communities have better access to programs that can save them energy for their homes and businesses, as well as become aware of the growing demand for skilled labor in the energy industry. , ” said Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin. “This new initiative will spark new collaborations and partnerships in communities across the state, engaging those who are historically left behind and enabling them to take full advantage of New York’s thriving clean energy economy.
Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Regional Clean Energy Hubs initiative seeks to attract proposals from qualified teams of organizations committed to helping residents of disadvantaged communities access and benefit from solutions and clean energy opportunities.
A regional clean energy center is defined as an organization or network of organizations, responsible for establishing and fostering partnerships in their region to provide services at the community level. Organizations with experience in providing services in the areas of clean energy, energy efficiency, social services, housing, economic development, health and training organizations are all encouraged to participate in the development of a Hub as a new way of offering new services to members of their communities.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The Regional Clean Energy Hubs initiative will provide a crucial framework for increasing community engagement in underserved and otherwise disadvantaged communities statewide. The services provided by the Clean Energy Hubs will stimulate new opportunities for all residents. New York City to access clean energy solutions and a career path green as our state’s clean energy economy continues to grow. ”
Through this competitive selection process, up to ten organizations, one in each regional economic development council region, will be selected to provide the following services to advance a clean and inclusive energy economy in New York State by:
- Raise awareness, raise awareness and educate residents, small businesses, non-profit organizations and owners of multi-family buildings in disadvantaged communities in order to improve energy knowledge and make customers aware of available programs and resources;
- Partner with local organizations, including social services, economic development, housing providers and educational institutions to increase residents and communities’ access to and participation in clean energy programs ;
- Collaborate with stakeholders to make the voices of residents and communities heard in the planning and implementation of future clean energy programs;
- Connect residents to training and workforce development opportunities in the field of clean energy, with a focus on the career paths of priority populations in disadvantaged communities;
- Implement targeted community awareness campaigns adapted to regional needs; and
- Advance projects to meet local needs and their priorities.
Additionally, through this initiative, NYSERDA seeks to increase statewide access to benefits such as energy saving programs for homes and businesses that can reduce monthly expenses and improve general well-being, provide more information and improve access to renewable energy options that reduce dependence on fossil fuels. fuels, and increasing awareness of and participation in employment opportunities in the growing clean energy economy.
Proposals will be accepted until November 23, 2021.
To support a team agreement for proposals and to facilitate partnerships in service delivery, a clearinghouse was created and is available on the NYSERDA website for organizations to express interest in teaming up on a proposal. Regional organizations are encouraged to review these submissions so that hub proposals are comprehensive and include the needs of the region and leverage regional partners for service delivery.
Organizations interested in being included in the clearinghouse for a possible partnership agreement must submit an expression of interest form to NYSERDA by November 22, 2021.
Senate Energy Committee Chairman Kevin Parker said: “The effects of climate change are real and continue to hurt our communities. These regional clean energy centers will connect clean energy programs, services and career opportunities to citizens in all parts of the state, especially residents and businesses in disadvantaged communities, where they are found. need the most. ”
Assembly Energy Committee Chairman Michael Cusick said: “Engaging residents, businesses and communities is essential to achieving the state’s clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The establishment of regional clean energy centers statewide, through local organizations, will connect homeowners and businesses with information, programs and employment opportunities as we develop. let’s continue to develop the clean energy economy. “
David Hepinstall, Executive Director of the Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. (AEA), said: “AEA strongly supports the objectives set out in the Regional Clean Energy Hub solicitation that Governor Hochul and NYSERDA are announcing today. substantial funding for local planning and community engagement that will equitably benefit low-income communities and environmental justice across New York State. “
Adam Flint, member of the Energy Democracy Alliance (EDA) steering committee, said: “The Energy Democracy Alliance is very pleased that the Regional Clean Energy Hub’s solicitation is being released during Climate Week. This program is the product of a co-design process involving a consortium of community organizations led by EDA and NYSERDA. NYSERDA’s commitment to this form of “best practice” of partnership and capacity building with community organizations bodes well for achieving CLCPA’s goal of directing 40% of the clean energy transition benefits to the most efficient communities. affected by the current dirty and dangerous energy system. look forward to working with NYSERDA to launch this program and continue to integrate the needs of the community into the program design process. “
Funding for the Regional Clean Energy Hubs initiative is part of the nearly New York $ 1 billion investment to increase access to energy efficiency and clean energy solutions for underprivileged communities announced the last year.
New York State’s National Climate Plan
The nation’s leading New York State Climate Agenda is the country’s most aggressive clean energy and climate initiative, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues to foster a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Written into law by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on track to meet its goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, of which 70% is produced from renewable energy. ‘by 2030, and to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York’s unprecedented investments to develop clean energy, including more than $ 21 billion in 91 large-scale renewable projects statewide, $ 6.8 billion to reduce emissions from buildings, $ 1.8 billion to develop solar power, over $ 1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $ 1.2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Together, these investments support more than 150,000 clean energy jobs in New York City in 2019, 2,100% growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011, and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind power. by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that ” at least 35 percent with a target of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments to be directed to underprivileged communities, and will progress towards the state’s energy efficiency target for 2025 of reducing on-site energy consumption of 185 trillion BTUs in end-use energy savings.
Last update: 23/09/2021
