The North Country Clean Energy Hub Transforming Homes of the North Country

Since 2022, the North Country Clean Energy Hub has been diligently working to make homes in the North Country more comfortable, safe and energy efficient for the residents who call it home. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County works in collaboration with the Adirondack North Country Association, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County to operate the North Country Clean Energy Hub. 

Created to bring clean energy resources closer to the communities that need them, the North Country Clean Energy Hub assists residents, small businesses, and non-profits in navigating the many clean energy and energy efficient opportunities available in various ways. Over the last four years, the Hub has participated in and hosted over 400 community events including attending county fairs, tabling at community-wide events and hosting energy workshops at local libraries. Through these outreach efforts, members of the Hub team have connected with over 23,500 North Country residents and further assisted 950 residents, small businesses and non-profits by connecting them with available resources, program information and application assistance. These outreach efforts have provided opportunities for residents to ask questions, learn more about available resources and chat directly with an Energy Advisor about their unique needs. 

Through the process of engaging with North Country residents, the Hub staff have identified many critical needs of homes and buildings that, without being addressed, prevent residents from accessing the incentives offered by NYSERDA. The Critical Home Repair Pilot Project was developed to complete these necessary repairs on homes deferred from the NYSERDA programs. Through this pilot project 14 homes received additional support which led to over $210,000 in energy upgrades for these homes alone. 

While the Hub has celebrated numerous accomplishments since its launch in 2022, the work is far from finished. The team continues to strengthen its knowledge and expertise by participating in trainings and other professional development opportunities while staying up to date on changing programs, technologies, and opportunities. It will continue to serve as a local resource, helping residents better understand their options, and connect them with programs and services that can help turn energy goals into reality. Lastly, the Hub will continue working to ensure the unique needs, challenges and priorities of North Country communities are brought to the attention of NYS agencies. 

Four years in and the North Country Clean Energy Hub has demonstrated the value and importance of bringing resources, organizations and communities together. Through continued outreach, education and one-on-one assistance, the Hub will continue helping North Country residents take steps towards more comfortable, safer and energy-efficient homes and businesses while contributing to a stronger clean energy future for the region. 

To learn more about the North Country Clean Energy Hub and how to connect with your local energy advisor for additional resources, visit northcountrycleanenergyhub.org.