Celebrating the North Country Clean Energy Hub on Earth Day

On Earth Day, you might be thinking about all the beautiful landscapes that make the North Country special. Does a favorite view come to mind? I love asking people what their favorite spot is in the Adirondacks or across the North Country–seeing the region through someone else’s eyes brings it to life in a new way. It’s hard to choose a favorite spot, but one that comes to mind is Avalanche Lake in the High Peaks Wilderness. Skiing down onto the lake between the soaring cliffs is a magical experience!

The Hub

Many of the unique characteristics that make the North Country special also make it a logistically challenging place to live. Think of the frigid winter temperatures, long travel distances, and aging housing stock that are part of North Country life. These things can also make it difficult for North Country residents to access the full benefits of New York State’s shift to clean energy. At the North Country Clean Energy Hub, we are working to make sure everyone in the North Country has access to accurate information, responsive programs, and quality contractors to ensure the clean energy transition works for us. Our local Energy Advisors are out in the community helping to assist residents first-hand. This past year, they have engaged over 4,623 residents at over 103 events in all of the 7 North Country counties. They continue to show up and be there for their communities. Additionally, they have offered one-on-one assistance to 190 residents who were applying for clean energy programs. This Earth Day, we’d like to celebrate not only the residents who have worked towards creating cleaner and safer homes, but also to our Energy Advisors for the continuous effort to make our communities stronger. 

The Hub’s Energy Advisors are available to hear any issues you are experiencing in your home, and recommend programs, opportunities and incentives that may work for you. We can assist with navigating programs, completing applications, finding contractors, and guiding you through the process of home upgrades. Whether you have been considering improved insulation, upgrading your heating system, installing solar panels, or options to lower your energy bill, Energy Advisors can help walk you through the maze of energy opportunities.

Small to Big Changes

If you are thinking about the North Country landscapes that are special to you, you also might be wondering about the day to day changes you can make to preserve our homes. When it comes to clean energy, it can be empowering to focus on the changes we can control in our lives and in our community. Starting at home is a great place to begin. To be more energy efficient and lower your energy costs, you can do things like installing a smart thermostat, seal gaps in windows/doors/air ducts, switch to LED lighting, replace HVAC air filters, and make sure your appliances are energy star certified. 

Maybe you’d like to think bigger than what you can do in your own home. There are lots of ways to help your community learn about how to lower their energy bills, reduce drafts, and shift to renewable energy. Is there a place in your community where people gather, or popular events that the whole town turns out for? Ask an Energy Advisor to come offer a presentation, Q&A session, or host an informational table. Maybe you’d like to take a more active role in learning about clean energy and how to educate your friends and neighbors. Our Energy Navigator volunteer program is a training on how to get the word out about energy efficiency and clean energy in your community. You’ll be plugged into a network of active volunteers that are attending events, conducting home energy walk-throughs, and helping spread the word!

Renewable Energy

Perhaps you are thinking even bigger than your community! Did you know that each Earth Day has a theme? This year, the Earth Day theme is renewable energy, and events are happening around the world to celebrate the shift to renewable power. Check out the Hub’s website for information on subscribing to community solar or community hydro, an easy step to sourcing renewable energy.

Wherever you’d like to start this Earth Day, there’s something for you! Check out our website to learn more: www.northcountrycleanenergyhub.org