NY Public Service Commission launching renewable energy awareness campaign in Westchester County

The New York State Public Service Commission is launching a consumer awareness campaign to encourage greater energy efficiency and promote renewable energy use in Westchester County, N.Y.

The program is being developed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Westchester County.

“Transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy requires all-hands-on-deck, and New Yorkers are eager to do their part,” Commission Chair John Rhodes said. “NYSERDA’s Westchester County awareness program, developed in response to Con Edison’s natural gas moratorium for new customers, represents a smart and strategic approach to assist Westchester’s communities, businesses, and residents in accessing reliable clean-energy alternatives to natural gas and to become more energy efficient.”

The primary objective of the campaign is to educate Westchester residents and businesses about the clean, renewable, and energy efficient options available in their area. That includes awareness of clean energy alternatives such as electric heat pumps, high-efficiency appliances, equipment, and building materials as well as energy efficiency. It is designed to lower costs for consumers and reduce demand for natural gas.

It is being done in concert with the Westchester County Clean Energy Action Plan, which was established to provide guidance and options to businesses and residents that are impacted by Con Edison’s moratorium on new natural gas service. The action plan includes $165 million from Con Edison to support heat pumps and energy efficiency; $28 million from NYSERDA for new construction incentives and services for new customers; and $25 million from NYSERDA to implement energy efficiency measures for existing customers to reduce overall peak demand constraints.