Additional Opportunities

In addition to the high-impact actions and grant awards, the Clean Energy Communities program offers additional opportunities that only participating communities can take advantage of.

Disadvantaged Community Opportunities

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) requires State agencies, authorities, and entities to direct a minimum of 35%, with a goal of 40%, of the benefits of their spending to disadvantaged communities.

Designation or Action Grant awards greater than $5,000 may be eligible for a grant bonus of up to 50% of the awarded grant amount for a clean energy project, if the project is located in a disadvantaged community in the applying jurisdiction.

Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Energy Studies

How It Works

CEC Energy Studies are prepared by consultants that are pre-qualified by NYSERDA. Conducting a study includes a comprehensive, unbiased evaluation of all potential cost-effective and no-cost efficiency measures, capital improvement upgrades, and electrification measures using a standardized calculation methodology pre-approved by NYSERDA. The cost of the energy study is paid directly by NYSERDA to the third-party vendor.

Opportunities to Receive a CEC Energy Study

1. Through grant funding - For grant awards greater than $5,000, municipalities may apply to use funds for one or more CEC Energy Studies. An amount equal to the cost of the CEC Energy Study(ies) will be deducted from the original grant award.
2. Completion of Benchmarking – CEC Energy Study Qualification High Impact Action - Municipalities that have completed the Benchmarking – CEC Energy Study Qualification Item are eligible for a CEC Energy Study conducted on their choice of benchmarked building identified in the submitted Benchmarking – CEC Energy Study Qualification High Impact Action. This study will be provided at no cost and will not be deducted from any earned grant funding but will be available based on the completion of the Benchmarking – CEC Energy Study Qualification action.

Electric Vehicle and Charging Station Programs

Local governments can access funding to electrify their fleets and install electric vehicle charging stations for fleet, employee, or public use.

The Drive Clean Rebate provides upfront discounts on the cost of purchasing or leasing a new electric vehicle. Meanwhile, multiple charging station programs are available to fund the build out of charging infrastructure.

Just Site Transition Resue Planning Program

NYSERDA’s Just Site Transition Reuse Planning Program supports local governments that are considering redevelopment of power plant sites in their communities. Funding is available for developing a site reuse planning study and pre-development work for achieving site reuse. Communities can also access free resources to help prepare for site reuse planning.

Get Support

Reach out to your Clean Energy Community Coordinator to discuss these additional opportunities.