CHENANGO COUNTY – After months of working towards a clean energy community designation through New York State, Chenango County officials announced the county met the requirements and was recognized for its efforts by New York State.

According to county officials, Chenango County 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 2016, the $16 million Clean Energy Communities initiative supports local government leaders across the state by providing grants to eligible municipalities to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects in their communities.

Officials said 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 mandate of having half of the state’s electricity coming from renewable energy resources by 2030.

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

Chairman of the Chenango County Board of Supervisors Lawrence N. Wilcox spoke on the designation and said he was proud of the progress Chenango County made towards clean energy.