Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County in cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension offices in Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties is working to bring Smart Energy Choices, a program that provides free energy advising to residents, farms and agricultural operations small commercial, non-profit and multifamily building owners and managers to help them reduce their energy use, switch to renewable energy, save money, and improve the comfort of their homes and buildings.
Cornell Cooperative Extension has a long history of providing programs in their local communities that improve the economic security and quality of life of residents. With the Smart Energy Choices program, extension educators working as Community Energy Advisors (CEAs) will work not only to educate income eligible residents on the benefits of more efficient and renewable energy technologies, but to also save homeowners money that can then be used for other needs. CEAs can also provide assistance and support to guide residents and businesses through the process of applying for energy programs, selecting contractors, and financing upgrades. The ultimate goal of the program is work to provide a bridge between these communities and the various incentive programs for energy savings.
Smart Energy Choices is funded in part by a grant from the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA). For more information about Smart Energy Choices or to contact a trained Community Energy Advisor who can help you learn about ways to save energy and money, and connect to resources, financial incentives, and local contractors, contact Shannon Fabiani, [email protected] or visit our website at www.smartenergychoices-cny.org. Shannon is the Community Energy Advisor for Onondaga and Oswego Counties.