Program reduces the energy burden of low-income households
Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II announced that Onondaga County will take part in Solar for All, a New York program that helps reduce the energy burden of low income households. Onondaga County is leading the effort through the state’s Solar for All program to encourage income-eligible residents to apply to receive a no cost community solar subscription that will help lower their energy costs.
This program is available in the towns of Elbridge, Marcellus, Spafford and parts of Van Buren.
“In order to be economically competitive, our community must be able to provide reliable power to our local businesses and homeowners. Being able to do so in a clean and environmentally friendly way is even better,” McMahon said. “Whether it be our infrastructure below or above ground, Onondaga County stands ready to partner with anyone who recognizes the potential of our community and willing to make strategic investments. Thank you to NYSERDA for bringing this important program to our community.”
Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Solar for All provides access to no cost community solar subscriptions for eligible low-income households without any upfront costs or participation fees. The community solar project program also fills a void for homeowners and renters who want access to solar power, but may not have ideal conditions at their individual properties. Energy is still delivered through their regular electric provider while the power produced from the community solar array is fed directly back to the electric grid. As a result, the grid is supplied with clean, renewable energy while subscribers get credit on their electric bills.
A workshop will be held at 6 p.m. April 24 at the Elbridge Free Library, 241 E. Main St., Elbridge, where residents can learn more about the program.
Plans to cover the rest of Onondaga County are in the works and may be complete by the end of 2019.
Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Thanks to Onondaga County for their partnership in helping low-income residents reduce their energy bills through Solar for All. Governor Cuomo remains committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to clean, renewable energy as part of New York’s nation-leading clean energy and climate agenda and each community that joins this effort helps to reduce the energy burden for consumers across the state.”
Solar for All is administered by NYSERDA under NY-Sun, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move the State closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. Since 2011, solar in New York State has increased more than 1,500 percent and leveraged nearly $3.5 billion in private investments. There are nearly 12,000 people engaged in solar jobs across New York.
Residents can sign up directly by visiting nyserda.ny.gov/solarforall, requesting a paper application by emailing [email protected], or calling 1-877-NYSMART.
