Chenango County has announced a new energy initiative that benefits from the local purchases of electric vehicles. One electric vehicle charging station is located in the City of Norwich behind the Red Roof Inn. (Photo by Lilli Iannella)

CHENANGO COUNTY– The Chenango County Planning Department announced a new clean energy initiative on Tuesday involving the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles.

The Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Community Campaign encourages Chenango County residents to buy energy-efficient vehicles – electric or hybrid – at a local or regional car dealership. After the first 10 purchases of these vehicles, the county is eligible to receive $15,000 to use toward clean energy upgrades in the community.

The campaign is part of the Clean Energy Communities program through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), said Chenango County Planner Allison Yacano. The program is designed to provide local and state governments with the resources and funding necessary to face climate action goals, including cutting emissions and lowering operational costs.

“Our hope is to not only get the infrastructure for the community but also make sure that the community knows that the technology is out there, and they can purchase vehicles that are sold here locally,” Yacano said.

The planning department urges community members who have purchased one of these energy-efficient vehicles to complete a short survey to help the county receive the grant.

The department partnered with two car dealerships in Norwich, McCredy Motors Inc. and Matthews Ford, to cross-promote the campaign, Yacano said.