Southampton Town Planning and Development Administrator Janice Scherer today announced that the Town of Southampton has achieved a 4-Star Designation through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program. This designation makes Southampton a regional leader on Long Island and has been awarded $200,000 in recognition of the Town of Southampton’s ongoing efforts to reduce energy use, transition to green energy, save tax dollars, support sustainability, and revitalize infrastructure.
“The Town of Southampton is committed to improving infrastructure, driving efficiency, and investing in our future. This critical grant funding will allow us to further improve the heat pump HVAC system that serves Town Hall, and reduce our energy bill by over $19,000 a year. This grant is a recognition of the efforts of the Town of Southampton and our ongoing commitment to both the environment and local taxpayers. We look forward to continuing to work with NYSERDA to implement many of the strategies outlined in our recently adopted Climate Action Plan,” said Supervisor Maria Moore.
“This grant funding is a testament to the Town Board’s commitment to continue to move Southampton forward. As sustainability programs further evolve, we look forward to leveraging resources to improve the lives of our residents and protect the environment through renewable initiatives like this,” said Southampton Councilmember, Michael A. Iasilli.
The Town of Southampton received the four-star Clean Energy Communities designation level for completing several clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the Clean Energy Communities program. To date, the Town has completed 19 high-impact items, including the following actions:
- Community Campaigns for solar and electric vehicle awareness and engagement;
- Supporting solar energy through NYStretch Energy Code and Unified Solar Permit to streamline processes;
- Installing electric vehicle chargers and purchasing electric vehicles as part of the Clean Fleets initiative;
- Energy efficiency measures such as the Energy Code Enforcement Training;
- Clean energy upgrades including a Clean Heating and Cooling Demo and LED street lights;
- Obtaining a Climate Smart Communities Certification
NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities Map provides additional information on the Town’s High Impact Actions.
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, "The Town of Southampton's continued commitment to adopting clean, resilient solutions that improve their infrastructure is an example of how municipalities are supporting the energy transition at a local level. NYSERDA commends the Town for their leadership and actions, which will result in a more sustainable future for the Southampton community.”
NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program provides resources and funding to help state and local governments invest in future-focused clean energy solutions for their community through grant funding and earn recognition.
Clean Energy Communities Coordinators are available at no charge to help communities develop and prioritize clean energy goals, access easy-to-use resources such as guidance documents and case studies and take advantage of available funding and technical assistance opportunities.
