The Clean Energy Program cultivates public-private partnerships and assists communities in the North Country by connecting them to program incentives, grants and technical services made available by state, federal and other sources for implementing renewable energy technology and energy efficiency measures. We also provide direct support to municipalities for clean energy projects in the seven northern counties of our region (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence) through our Energy Circuit Rider Initiative. The following are some examples of current and past projects that we administer or coordinate with other partners in the region:

Current:
Completed:

 

Cleaner Greener Communities Phase II

The Cleaner Greener Communities (CGC) program is a statewide initiative that enables communities to incorporate sustainability goals and principles into local decision-making, and then form partnerships to transform these goals into economic development projects. CGC is funded with proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

One Stop Shop for Community Sustainability (2016- Present)

With support from a CGC Phase II implementation grant, ANCA formalized a Clean Energy Program dedicated to increasing energy savings and independence for communities in the North Country. The program is served by administrative staff and a team of Energy Circuit Riders (ECRs) who help municipalities and schools plan, finance and implement energy improvement projects. The ECRs currently work in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Phase II funds also support the Clean Energy Program Portfolio: a searchable database for funding sources, renewable technologies, energy contractors and more).

Multi-County Project (2015-Present)

Under CGC Phase II, ANCA coordinates with individual project developers as well as Essex County to provide oversight and support for seven projects across the North Country region. These projects serve as models for regional collaboration to decrease energy costs, create jobs, reduce waste and/or generate clean energy power.

The individual projects include:

  • Rivermede Farm in Keene Valley – Solar-thermal greenhouse heating system.
  • Town of North Elba – Bio-digester converting food waste to biogas to generate electricity.
  • Town of Stockholm – High efficiency, low-emission wood pellet boiler for Town Garage.
  • Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake – Energy-efficiency improvements during renovation.
  • Village of Saranac Lake – New control technology at hydroelectric facility.
  • Village of Lyons Falls – New sidewalks and paths to promote pedestrian/bicycle access.
  • North Country School in Lake Placid –  High-flow drum composter.

Case studies for these projects will be available on our website in 2019.

Support for Cleaner, Greener Communities Program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Clean Energy Communities (2016-Present)

The NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Program provides funding, direct technical support and recognition to local governments that demonstrate leadership in clean energy. Municipalities that successfully complete four of 10 High-Impact Actions can earn the Clean Energy Designation, as well as a first-come-first-serve grant of up to $250,000, with no local cost share, to support additional clean energy projects.

Read more about the 10 high-Impact Action items by clicking the links:

ANCA administers NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities Program for the North Country. To learn how your community can earn financial support and recognition contact Jamie Rogers, ANCA’s Clean Energy Communities Coordinator and Energy Circuit Rider, at jrogers@adirondack.org or 518-891-6200 ext. 106.

Support for the Clean Energy Communities Program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Community Energy Engagement Program

The NYSERDA Community Energy Engagement Program provides support to help residents and businesses reduce their energy consumption and energy costs and make informed energy decisions. Community Energy Advisors can connect you to resources and networks that provide cost-saving opportunities in your communities.

Support for the Clean Energy Communities Program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

 

Cleaner Greener Communities Phase I

North Country Regional Sustainability Plan (2011 – 2013)

ANCA and Ecology and Environment (E&E) coordinated stakeholder input from hundreds of participants across the region to draft  a comprehensive Sustainability Plan for the North Country region. The plan outlines the region’s vision, goals and objectives for a sustainable future, identifies a number of regional assets and makes recommendations for building on those assets to enhance the quality of rural communities and promote sustainable management of its natural resources.

The Plan, titled “Our Economy: North Country Regional Sustainability Plan“, was recognized by the Upstate New York Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA), a professional institute for certified planners, as winner of the Planning Excellence Award for Innovation in Sustaining Places.

Green Jobs Green New York Outreach Program (2013-17)

Between 2013 and 2017, ANCA was awarded two distinct grants from NYSERDA to support community outreach for the Green Jobs Green NY Program (GJGNY). The Program provided free or reduced cost building energy audits for residential, small business and not-for-profit purposes as well as financing to help pay for energy efficiency improvements and clean energy training opportunities. This program closed in July 2017.

The Green Jobs Green New York program was supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Solarize (2015-2016)

ANCA has facilitated five Solarize campaigns in partnership with the Village of Canton, First Nation Akwesasne, the Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce, The Town of Plattsburgh, the Town of Franklin and NY Sun – a program that makes investing in solar power easier and more affordable for local residents, businesses, and municipalities.

ANCA’s Solarize campaigns resulted in:

  • 132 signed solar contracts and
  • 995 KW of added solar capacity to the North Country

NYS Solarize campaigns are supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative.

 

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