East Hampton Town Earns Clean Energy Community Designation

EAST HAMPTON, NY — The Town of East Hampton has made strides toward sustainability.

Town officials announced recently that the town has been designated a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA, "recognizing its leadership in reducing energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy locally," according to a release.

First announced by New York State Governor Cuomo in August, the $16 million Clean Energy Communities initiative supports local government leaders across the state to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects in their communities, the release said.

Clean Energy Communities advance Cuomo's Reforming the Energy strategy by demonstrating the importance of helping New York reach its Clean Energy Standard of 50 percent of the state’s electricity coming from renewable energy resources by 2030, the release said.

East Hampton received the designation for completing four of 10 high-impact clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the Clean Energy Communities initiative. In addition, the designation gives East Hampton an opportunity to apply for up to $100,000 toward additional clean energy projects, with no local cost share, the release said.

The Clean Energy Communities initiative on Long Island is offered in partnership with PSEG Long Island, whose support is funding the grant awards to eligible applicants, the release said

Of the designation, Peter Van Scoyoc, deputy town supervisor, said, “The Town of East Hampton is proud to receive the title of a Clean Energy Community in recognition of our efforts to further improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and transition from our dependence on fossil fuels."

Added Sylvia Overby, East Hampton town board liaison to the energy and sustainability committee, “The Town of East Hampton appreciates the opportunity to invest in our community. Accelerating energy efficiency along with working toward 100 percent renewable energy will contribute to a sustainable East Hampton.”

And, said Michael Voltz, director of energy efficiency and renewables at PSEG Long Island, "East Hampton has been a leader when it comes to incorporating energy efficiency and renewables into their energy portfolio. We look forward to assisting additional communities on Long Island become Clean Energy Communities.”

To earn the Clean Energy Community designation, the Town of East Hampton completed the following high-impact clean energy actions:

• Benchmarking: Adopted a policy to report the energy use of buildings.

• Clean Fleets: Installed electric vehicle charging stations and deployed alternative fuel vehicles.

• Climate Smart Communities Certification: The town was certified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

• Unified Solar Permit: Streamlined the approval process for solar .

Cities, counties, towns and villages that complete at least four of 10 high-impact clean energy actions are designated Clean Energy Communities and are eligible to apply for funding of up to $250,000 with no local cost share with the option of receiving up to 25 percent paid in advance to support additional clean energy projects, the release said.

At least two of the four actions must have been completed after August 1, 2016.

NYSERDA is accepting applications for funding on a rolling basis through September 30, 2019 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

Funds are being provided through the Clean Energy Fund and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

"Clean energy community coordinators are also available at no charge to support cash or resource-strapped communities to develop and prioritize clean energy goals; access easy-to-use resources such as guidance documents and case studies; and take advantage of available funding and technical assistance opportunities," the release said.

Southold Town also earned the Clean Energy Community designation, Town Supervisor Scott Russell noted in his state of the town address earlier in March.