What is a Community Campaign and why should my municipality start one?
Completing a NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Community Campaign can be an effective way to encourage adoption of clean technology in your municipality while earning points in the CEC and Climate Smart Communities programs for your municipality. A Community Campaign can help advance state and local clean energy goals. Campaigns are typically short-term, local efforts that bring together groups of potential customers through widespread outreach and education. Communities have the option of doing the following campaign types: Community Solar, Clean Heating and Cooling, and Electric Vehicle.
How do I start a campaign?
To get credit from NYSERDA in the CEC program for completing a campaign, you will first need to fill out and submit a Scoping Document. A template can be found in the CEC Campaign toolkit. Please reach out to your CEC Coordinator for assistance in starting a campaign and completing a scoping document. Find your Mid-Hudson CEC Coordinator here. If you live elsewhere in the state, you can use this list to find a CEC Coordinator. After your scoping document is submitted, NYSERDA will review it and provide notification by email if the campaign may proceed. Note that any campaign participants who sign up prior to NYSERDA’s approval of the scoping document cannot be counted towards achievement level goals.
What resources are available to help support a campaign?
Local governments are encouraged to team up with partner organizations, subject matter experts, and service providers to develop a well-organized campaign that provides consumers with increased education and access to clean energy. You can promote and generate interest in your campaign through events and other outreach efforts. HVRC has put together resource pages with participating partners and marketing materials to help make your campaign a success:
- Community Solar Campaign Resources – Information on solar campaigns, including solar companies willing to assist communities with campaigns and answer questions about their work.
- Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign Resources – HVAC Contractors willing to assist communities with campaigns and answer questions about their work.
- Electric Vehicle Campaign Resources – Outreach and educational materials to help municipalities initiate and execute community EV campaigns.
How will my municipality get credit from NYSERDA for our campaign?
To get credit for completing a campaign in your municipality, you will need to count community solar sign-ups, heat pump installations, or electric vehicle purchases by residents. The customer list (template provided in the CEC Campaign toolkit) must include the location, name of the installer/supplier/dealer, the name and address of customer, and the date when the customer made the sign-up/installation/purchase. You will also need to show proof of municipal participation in the campaign. Documentation should be dated and include the name of the applying jurisdiction and may consist of one or more of the following: a press release, a flyer from an event hosted by the jurisdiction, a website screenshot, a local press article, a certified resolution, or comparable information.