Hudson Valley Homeowner Resources for Energy Transition

By   |     |  Clean Power Guide

Would you love to take charge of your home energy systems and kiss fossil fuels goodbye, if only it didn’t seem so complicated? Do you wish for guidance on how even to do the research? Want to have a more confident conversation with contractors? Today more than ever, there is help for you.

Energy Coaches

Yes, that is a thing. Actually, a person. Energy coaches are independent experts who have passion for clean energy and experience with their own home systems, who are often paid by independent organizations to help you. New Yorkers for Clean Power has a team of exuberant energy geeks you can talk with at no cost, who can demystify technologies and help you make sense of options from heat pumps to EVs. Some are teachers, along with a financial analyst and a retired engineer.

Tom Konrad, PhD, CFA is a financial analyst and writer on clean energy, with characteristic patience and a hard-to-stump level of knowledge. He says, “Some people have very specific questions—tell me what kind of heat pump to buy. Others don’t know where to start and just say ‘Help me figure out my house.” This is a large, complex process. One of the best things a coach can do is break it down into simple steps.”

Coach Samrat Pathania, a high school science teacher, says: “To be well prepared for working with an energy coach, ask yourself what you really need. People come full of wants, but what do you need?”

Clean Energy Hubs

Throughout New York State, the NYSERDA Clean Energy Hubs are local points of contact offering connections to New York State’s clean energy programs and incentives. The virtual hubs are staffed by real people whose job is to be there for you on the energy journey. In the Hudson Valley, the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub, also known as Mid-Hudson Energy Choices, is coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, with support from New Yorkers for Clean Power and Sustainable Westchester and other local CCEs. They have connected thousands of folks through large-group info sessions, handing out energy kits with useful items like power strips, door sweeps, and LED bulbs. They also provide free one-on-one energy advisor services at every step.

Concierge Businesses

Finally, there is a new business model that we predict will catch on:  one-stop project management services for homeowners, businesses, and government agencies alike. The Hudson Valley’s first one is New Energy Project Management, co-founded by long-time energy advisors Craig Hightower, Drew Zarrella, and Marcy Cleveland. For the fee of an energy audit, the company helps customers understand their unique building and financial situation. Cleveland, whose path into clean energy came through real estate, says: “In decisions about energy projects, it really takes the stress out just to have another set of eyes looking at the situation.” NEPM helps homeowners, businesses, and local governments to plan and sequence projects “so you don’t put spray foam into your attic before you mount your solar panels, which could damage the foam,” according to Cleveland.

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition

There are more resources out there than you may imagine. Mid-Hudson Energy Transition has created several funds to help homeowners and others reduce financial barriers to energy improvements while improving health, safety, and comfort for people with limited finances. If you are a Kingston homeowner earning at or below the Area Median Income (AMI), the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) program provides holistic supports including project management, energy assessments, contractor coordination, grant assistance, and government incentives to deliver free and immediate improvements that increase the health, safety, and energy efficiency of homes in preparation for future electrification. This fund has awarded $47,000 in small grants across 64 projects, unlocking $320,000 in government assistance for Kingstonians, while planning for expansion to other communities and more availability to renters. They’re building up another fund, HELP, to support more substantial energy projects and return on community members’ investments.  They also provide eligible households with free induction stoves, heat pump water heaters, and portable heat pumps, in partnership with the City of Kingston.

Further Resources

Plug N Play  Blog tracking the trends and data impacting EVs and infrastructure by Steve Burkitt.

EnergySage Online marketplace that helps homeowners compare quotes and access vetted installers for solar panels, home batteries, EV charging, and heat-pump systems.

Plugshare  Community-driven mobile app and website that maps electric vehicle charging stations worldwide and lets users browse, rate, and share real-time information about chargers.

Rewiring America  Nonprofit committed to helping American households switch to all-electric, clean-energy systems by providing tools, policy advocacy, and research to make electrification accessible and affordable.

NYSERDA  New York State Energy Research and Development Authority delivers analysis, programs, and technical expertise to help New Yorkers boost energy efficiency, adopt renewable energy and decarbonize buildings and systems.

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