State allocates $52M for clean energy hubs, including in Finger Lakes

Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Fingers Lakes Region will receive $3.835 million in state funding, part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $52 million initiative to establish 12 Regional Clean Energy Hubs across New York.

The hubs would serve as centers of outreach, awareness and education to help foster participation, especially those in underserved or otherwise disadvantaged communities, in New York’s clean energy transition, the governor’s office said.

“As New York continues moving toward a green economy, community outreach and education is essential to ensuring all New Yorkers can participate in and benefit from this transition,” Hochul said in a news release. “In true New York fashion, these organizations are coming together to help their fellow New Yorkers and ensure every community has the opportunity to thrive.”

Each hub will be comprised of a network of organizations and will be responsible for establishing partnerships over the next four years in order to coordinate and promote clean energy outreach, engagement and education services.

“We are proud to be part of a cohort of Regional Clean Energy Hubs dedicated to making clean energy services, technologies and jobs more accessible for New York State residents and small businesses,” said Abigail McHugh-Grifa, executive director of Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Finger Lakes Region. “NYSERDA’s local approach to this work allows us to mobilize existing and new partners in our region who are closest to the needs and values of the residents we serve.”

The development of the Hubs initiative was the result of a co-design effort led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Energy Democracy Alliance. More than 30 community-based organizations participated in the process. 

Funding for the hubs initiative is part of New York’s nearly $1 billion investment to increase access to energy efficiency and clean energy solutions for low-to-moderate income residents and communities, which is supported by the Clean Energy Fund and utilities. It’s also funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

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