CHENANGO COUNTY — The Chenango County Department of Planning and Development is pleased to announce that they have met the 25-subscriber goal of enrollment for their Community Solar Campaign. By reaching this goal, Chenango County became eligible to apply for Action Grants through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities program. As a result, the County has been awarded $15,000 for clean energy upgrades.

The grant will be used to upgrade the interior and exterior lighting to LED’s at the Chenango County Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport in Norwich. By upgrading to more energy efficient lighting, they anticipate an energy savings of at least 75 percent less than the incandescent lighting currently at the airport.

Announced in January 2021, the second phase of the Clean Energy Communities (CEC) initiative is a $17 million CEC Leadership Round that supports and recognizes 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. Achievements by Clean Energy Communities help support New York’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals, as outlined under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Chenango County, in partnership with Solstice Community Solar, have been in collaboration to increase access to solar energy to those communities who are unable to facilitate solar panels on their homes or businesses. Residents who enrolled through the Community Solar Campaign are eligible to an estimated 10 percent savings on their monthly electric bill.

“Spreading access to clean energy is a natural extension of our work to keep our community healthy and sustainable for years to come,” said Shane Butler, Director of Planning for the Chenango County Department of Planning and Development.

The 26 residents who have enrolled in Chenango County represent an estimated 260,791 kwh per year of electricity. This is the environmental impact equivalent of avoiding 407,855 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, or reducing passenger vehicle mileage by 464,484 miles per year.

President and CEO of NYSERDA Doreen M. Harris said, “By expanding access to community solar, Chenango County is making a difference in the fight against climate change and saving residents' money while doing so. We applaud the county for its efforts in ensuring a healthier future, and helping us achieve New York’s goals.”

A Clean Energy Community since 2018, Chenango County also became a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Climate Smart Community in March of 2021. The pledge stresses an effort to decrease energy usage and shift to cleaner and renewable energy.

To learn more about the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities program, visit https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities.

-from the Chenango County Department of Planning and Development