Making the 10% Challenge WORK!
Kingston, NY — February 11, 2014 – RUPCO’s Green Jobs – Green New York Program Team and officials from the Town of Woodstock will meet Wednesday, February 19th to outline plans to appoint Energy Advocates in the community. The meeting is open to the public and any individual interested in sustainability, reducing personal carbon footprints or town-wide energy efficiency initiatives, is invited to come.
The joint meeting of the Woodstock Environmental Commission (WEC) and Transition Woodstock will run from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at the Comeau building. Transition Woodstock and WEC are encouraging residents and businesses to join an initiative to reduce energy usage. Representatives from RUPCO and Central Hudson will be on hand to help launch a campaign to conserve both money and fuel through free or reduced cost energy audits and assistance in making energy-saving upgrades.
Pooling Resources!
New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation focused on reducing energy consumption, promoting the use of renewable energy sources, and protecting the environment. Patrice Courtney Strong, a long-time supporter of energy saving programs says that
“People learn about NYSERDA when it becomes relevant to them. A homeowner looks at their bill in outrage or despair and calls Central Hudson to say there must be a mistake.”
If it turns out the meter is working properly, the power company will refer the homeowner to NYSERDA for an energy audit.
Mike D’Arcy of RUPCO works with homeowners, helping applicants fill out paperwork and engage contractors to perform upgrades.
“There is nothing like the discomfort of record-breaking low temperatures to make people think about saving energy,” \
says D’Arcy. A household in Ulster County with less than $147,800 in annual combined income is eligible for a free energy audit.
Transition Woodstock intends to focus on selected neighborhoods, identify neighborhood advocates, and initiate a long term education process to inform the residents of the opportunities and programs available to improve energy efficiency. The February 19th meeting is the kick-off for this effort. The process begins with a train-the-advocates’ session where representatives from RUPCO, Central Hudson, and certified contractors will explain what programs are available for homeowners and businesses to improve energy efficiency.
About RUPCO
For more than 30 years, RUPCO, a 501-c-3 not-for-profit agency, has led the region in creating and maintaining quality, sustainable housing and rental opportunities, inspiring understanding and acceptance of affordable housing initiatives, fostering community development and revitalization, and providing opportunity to people to improve their living standards. More information on RUPCO is available at www.rupco.org
RUPCO is a Constituency Based Organization administering the NYSERDA Green Jobs – Green New York Program in ten counties in the Hudson Valley. NYSERDA provides funding for energy assessments, low-cost financing for energy upgrades, and technical and financial support to develop a clean energy workforce. Green Jobs – Green NY is a statewide effort to strengthen our communities through energy efficiency. It enables New Yorkers to make a significant difference in their homes, businesses and neighborhoods-making them more comfortable, more sustainable, and more economically sound.
Woodstock Energy Advocates at a Glance
Facebook Event for inviting people YOU feel should attend…
https://www.facebook.com/events/501567313294378/
What: 10% Challenge Energy Advocates Training
When: Wednesday, February 19th 2014
Where: Comeau Building @ 7:00 – 8:30 PM