New York, NY - June 27, 2017 - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority today announced $325,000 is available through the REVitalize initiative for technical assistance to qualified organizations to develop locally-based clean energy projects that benefit Low- to- Moderate-Income (LMI) or environmental justice (EJ) communities across New York State. This investment will advance the state’s commitment to facilitate access to clean energy solutions for LMI and EJ communities and will contribute to the state’s ambitious energy agenda of 50 percent of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. Increasing renewable energy in communities will also help New York reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.
“New York continues to make investments that help drive locally driven, economically sound solutions to the challenges faced by LMI customers,” said Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA. "The REVitalize initiative strongly supports Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading clean energy strategy and helps ensure all New Yorkers, including low- to- moderate-income, have access to clean energy opportunities.”
Community organizations are critical partners in developing clean energy solutions for LMI customers, however, these entities often lack the financial resources, clean energy experience or staff to bring clean energy projects from concept to operation. This funding aims to fill this gap by providing the necessary tools to successfully develop community-scale clean energy projects to reduce energy costs and harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
A total of 40 percent of New York State households have incomes considered low to moderate, which means they earn less than 80 percent of the median income in their area. EJ communities are low-income and minority communities that have historically been burdened by environmental problems.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Community-based groups in Low-to- Moderate-Income and Environmental Justice communities are often at the forefront of driving local green investments. Today’s announcement further demonstrates Governor Cuomo’s commitment to growing a green economy and investing in all of New York’s communities to pursue and develop clean energy projects in every neighborhood.”
NYSERDA will select up to five organizations through a competitive process for a maximum award of $65,000 that can be used to obtain technical assistance for the planning and development of a community-scale clean energy project.
NYSERDA will also work with the selected organizations to develop a set of toolkits that will be tested and refined throughout the project planning and development process. The toolkits will then be made available to community-based organizations across the state to share best practices regarding clean energy project development.
The funding is made available under the Clean Energy Fund.
Proposers can apply here. Proposals are due by August 31, 2017.
An informational webinar for potential applicants to learn more about the opportunity will be held on July 12, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. Applicants who intend to participate can register at REVitalize Webinar.
About the Clean Energy Fund
The 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund is a core component of New York State's Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to achieve a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. It is designed to deliver on New York State’s commitment to reduce ratepayer collections, drive economic development, and accelerate the use of clean energy and energy innovation. It includes a focused effort to bring more clean energy opportunities and benefits to low- to moderate-income communities throughout the State. The Clean Energy Fund supports the aggressive Clean Energy Standard of 50 percent of the state’s electricity coming from renewable energy resources by 2030.
About Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity needs be generated from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven a nearly 800 percent growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, installation and other clean-tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.
About NYSERDA
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.