CITY OF YONKERS EARNS CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITY DESIGNATION FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO CUT COSTS AND REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

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CITY OF YONKERS EARNS CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITY DESIGNATION FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO CUT COSTS AND REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION
 

YONKERS, NY – May 8, 2017 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced it has been designated a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), recognizing its leadership in reducing energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy locally.

 

Announced by Governor Cuomo in August, the $16 million Clean Energy Communities initiative supports local government leaders across the State to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects in their communities. Clean Energy Communities advances the Governor’s Reforming the Energy (REV) strategy by demonstrating the importance of communities in helping New York reach its Clean Energy Standard of 50 percent of the state’s electricity coming from renewable energy resources by 2030.

 

Yonkers received the designation for completing 4 of 10 high-impact clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the Clean Energy Communities initiative. In addition, the designation gives Yonkers an opportunity to apply for up $150,000 toward additional clean energy projects, with no local cost share.

 

“Thank you to Governor Cuomo and NYSERDA for recognizing the various sustainable initiatives we have undertaken over the last five years and designating Yonkers as a Clean Energy Community,” said Mayor Spano. “We are very proud of what we’ve accomplished and we look forward in continuing our commitment to a more sustainable, cleaner and greener Yonkers.”

 

“Under Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading clean energy and efficiency initiatives, local governments across the state are taking a leadership role in reducing energy use and cutting costs in their communities,” said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA. “Congratulations to the City of Yonkers for this noteworthy accomplishment and its commitment to a more sustainable, cleaner future.”

 

To earn the Clean Energy Community designation, Yonkers completed the following high-impact clean energy actions:

  • Clean Fleet – Installed 2 new electric vehicle charging stations
  • Energy Code Enforcement Training – Trained compliance officers in energy code best practices
  • LED Street Lights Conversion
  • Unified Solar Permit – Streamlined the approvals process for Solar

 

Cities, counties, towns and villages that complete at least four of 10 high-impact clean energy actions are designated Clean Energy Communities and are eligible to apply for funding of up to $250,000 with no local cost share with the option of receiving up to 25 percent paid in advance to support additional clean energy projects. At least two of the four actions must have been completed after August 1, 2016. NYSERDA is accepting applications for funding on a rolling basis through September 30, 2019 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.  Funds are being provided through the Clean Energy Fund and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

 

Clean Energy Community Coordinators are also available at no charge to support cash- or resource-strapped communities to develop and prioritize clean energy goals; access easy-to-use resources such as guidance documents and case studies; and take advantage of available funding and technical assistance opportunities.

 

For more information on Clean Energy Communities, visit www.nyserda.ny.gov/cec. Local government officials or employees can find contact information for their respective coordinator here for assistance navigating the program.

 

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