County and towns pursue NYSERDA clean-energy grants and fast chargers

Columbia County and multiple towns reported progress on NYSERDA and other clean-energy grants during the task force meeting.

County update: staff said the county will receive a NYSERDA contract for $412,500 to implement energy-efficiency upgrades at 401 State Street. The contract requires an energy audit; from that audit the county will select projects — for example LED lighting, window replacement, insulation and envelope improvements — that together will reach the award value. Staff described drafting a 2024 progress report and a road map for 2025 to document achievements and to pursue Climate Smart Communities certification points.

Municipal EV charging and local grants: municipal representatives said Hillsdale’s board approved a NYSERDA designation of roughly $100,000 for a two-port fast charger, with scoping underway and installers coordinating feasibility with NYSEG. Philmont reported pursuing a public-private fast-charger in partnership with a local retailer and has a $100,000 NYSERDA award for geothermal work at its village hall. Several other towns also reported recent grant awards and local energy events.

Why it matters: the county’s larger award will support efficiency upgrades at a county building and contribute points toward Climate Smart Communities certification; municipal fast-charger projects expand EV infrastructure and may require utility feasibility studies and partner agreements.

What’s next: county staff will sign the NYSERDA contract and complete the energy audit; municipal contacts will continue feasibility work with utilities (NYSEG) and local partners and report updates at the next task-force meeting.