Speakers Will Explain Ways Business Owners Can Reduce Energy Costs
Kingston, NY — Ulster County Executive Mike Hein invites Ulster County business owners to the “Building Ulster County Together” breakfast on Wednesday, January 27th at 8:00AM at the Best Western Plus in Kingston. This breakfast celebrates the launch of Energize NY in Ulster County and will cover ways for businesses to reduce energy costs. Ulster County Executive Mike Hein will address attendees and then welcome the following speakers: Energize NY Executive Director Mark Thielking, Central Hudson Project Manager Alana Daly Mikhalevsky, Solarize Hudson Valley Program Director Melissa Everett, Ph.D. and NYSERDA Regional Outreach Contractor Patrice Courtney-Strong.
“It is our hope that the local business community will take advantage of this opportunity to learn about several ways to reduce energy costs while increasing the value and efficiency of their buildings,” said County Executive Hein. “We look forward to celebrating the launch of Energize NY in Ulster County as well. Ulster County government is leading the way in environmental stewardship. For example, we are the first net carbon neutral county in New York State and my administration has installed electric vehicle charging stations at county properties.”
Speakers at the breakfast will present information on Energize NY’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program, as well as programs offered by Central Hudson, Solarize Hudson Valley and NYSERDA.
Energize NY Finance is New York State’s Commercial PACE financing program, offering property-based, low cost financing for energy projects repaid through an annual charge on the property’s tax bill. Energize NY PACE Finance makes clean energy improvements accessible to businesses, farms and not-for-profits that may not have access to more traditional financing. Reducing energy waste with approved efficiency, solar and renewable energy improvements cut energy costs and boosts profitability for local businesses. Reducing energy consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, mitigating the effects on climate and improving air quality for residents.
Steve Noble, Mayor of the City of Kingston
“My administration is looking forward to the expansion of Energize NY into our area, particularly for the benefits to this community, with not only a reduction in energy costs, but also an upswing of environmental efficiency, which is a win-win for the community and the environment. The initiatives that are being presented at this event are consistent with achieving the goals and principles outlined in our Climate Action Plan, and so I look forward to this event as not only the launching off point for Energize NY here in Ulster County but as progress forward on economic and environmental goals for our city, our county, our region, and our state. I encourage local businesses to join me for this informative breakfast event, so we as a community can work together to build a clean economy.”
James P. Laurito, President and CEO of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp
“Central Hudson is pleased to support this event and applauds County Executive Hein’s efforts to promote a sustainable future. In the spirit of this initiative, we offer many programs and incentives that assist local businesses and improve the regional economy. Helping residents and businesses to lower their energy use makes the Hudson Valley not only more affordable and sustainable but also more competitive in attracting the employers of the future.”
Mark Thielking, Executive Director of Energize NY
"We are pleased that the City of Kingston and Ulster County have established the Energize NY program for commercial building owners. This shows leadership in NY State that will help eliminate barriers to clean energy building upgrades that Ulster’s commercial property owners and not-for-profits face when they look to improve the energy performance of their buildings.”
Melissa Everett, Ph.D., Program Director of Solarize Hudson Valley
“It is fitting that Solarize, like Energize financing, is getting rooted in the Mid-Hudson Valley and especially within the business community. Our first program year resulted in signed contracts for over 1.2 MW of solar, mostly residential. As we gear up to work with the commercial sector this year, we can expect even greater results. It’s exciting!”
Patrice Courtney-Strong, Regional Outreach Contractor for NYSERDA
“The County's adoption of Energize NY is another example of our local officials providing leadership on energy issues that really affect business owners' bottom lines for the better. Congratulations to Mike Hein for bringing this innovative financing program to our community.”
This breakfast is hosted by the Ulster County Executive, Ulster County Economic Development Alliance and The City of Kingston. To register in advance for this event, please visit:
You also have the option to pay at the door, $20 will include breakfast.
