March forward with Renewable Energy under NY Sun Rising program

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 NY State passed the budget last week and it contains the funding and investment incentives to help implement energy conservation and green power generation projects.

Sustainable Green Communities will take advantage of this opportunity.
As the earth day approaches on April 22, 2013 it is good time for all power consumers to think about what they can do to change and help support energy conservation and switch to green power generation.

Energy independence can be achieved if we make up our mind to do it. Hopefully the future will bring examples of such communities and business leaders that will inspire others to follow and make their own contribution.

Better days are ahead.

Helping Businesses get their energy tax money back

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If we ever look at the details on the invoices for energy costs, many charges appear and companies simply pay the bills and not realize what it all means. Green Communities are now looking for first saving energy in their own facility and then make an effort to inform the tax payers so they can do the same. It would help the large employers if the Community made contacts with Power companies and other state agencies and provide their grants information to local businesses. We are calling it grant or incentive but in reality it is their money coming back to them. Here is a real example- A company in North country New York State pays over $750,000 in electric and gas costs per year. I noticed their February 2010 invoice and saw a systems benefit charge(SBC) of $8500. Vow this is almost $100,000 per year in taxes meant for energy conservation. If they have paid this over last 10 years than their contribution would be around 1 Million dollars. It is their money and they are entitled to get it back as energy incentive to make plant retrofits to save energy. The community leaders should get involved and help the businesses improve their bottom line to preserve jobs and help in economic development. This is how you can sustain the community.
Ram

Smart communities think long term solutions

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As the federal stimulus funds come to communities across America some will act smarter than others. It is normal to expect old pet projects to be first on line to build with this money. If the project does not generate a constant sustainable source of money then the choice is not good one. Smart communities are those who will do the projects that save them energy and water costs and they will invest the savings each year in similar activities. Smart communities are those that will set aside a percentage of grant funds into a revolving loan fund for their residents and business owners to borrow at zero interest loans and make energy efficiency retrofits. The first thing to do with such funds is to set aside 20% for strategic planning of sustainable green projects with community input from all stakeholders.
Economic development and job creation is expected to be the long term impact of such investments. Let us see what choices our community leaders make.
Ram