NYSERDA awards ANCA, partners funding for regional clean-energy hub program

SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. — The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) is among the organizations chosen to establish a regional clean-energy hub program.

The New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) selected ANCA to work on the program for the North Country.

ANCA will work with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties and SUNY Canton Career Ready Education and Success Training (CREST) to administer the funding award of more than $4 million. The effort seeks to bring clean-energy programs and workforce-development opportunities to North Country residents, homeowners, and businesses.

The ANCA funding is part of $52 million in awards that the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced for regional clean-energy hubs on Friday afternoon.

The project supports Hochul’s climate goals outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, along with the “state’s commitment to deliver at least 35 percent of the benefits from clean energy investments, with a goal of 40 percent, to disadvantaged communities and help advance an equitable clean-energy transition for all New Yorkers,” per the ANCA announcement.

North Country hub partners will work together to meet the program’s goals, with a focus on expanding outreach and technical assistance, clean-energy education, and the development of a clean-energy workforce.

For example, four community-based energy advisors, under the direction of ANCA and CCE of Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, will work directly with residents and small businesses who could benefit from state and federal programs and projects that can “significantly reduce” energy costs and improve health and safety — such as heating-system upgrades, weatherization, and lighting upgrades.

This winter, ANCA will launch a new website where hub partners will share resources, events and programs related to clean energy, energy efficiency and workforce development.