Curran Urges Municipal Partners to Participate in Energy Efficiency Survey
Survey Gauges Interest in Collaborative Energy and Cost Saving Projects
Nassau County, NY –Nassau County Executive Laura Curran released initial results of a shared services energy efficiency survey and is urging municipalities who have not yet done so to fill out the survey. The survey is a follow up to a Shared Services Panel meeting regarding energy efficiency in which Nassau County’s municipalities, school and special districts virtually joined with New York Power Authority (NYPA), PSEG LI and the Rockefeller Institute of Government. The meeting provided information about potential collaborative energy efficient and cost saving projects municipalities can opt to participate in, in line with the goals of the County’s 2020 Shared Services Plan.
“The goal of our 2020 Shared Services Plan was to identify new ways to save taxpayers money through shared and more efficient services between local governments. By getting the ball rolling on one of the most shovel-ready initiatives in our plan, the shared energy efficiency projects, we are making smart progress and honoring Nassau’s commitment to ensuring a greener, more sustainable future. Coordinating these important green infrastructure projects between governmental and private partners can streamline implementation and make these energy-reducing projects happen faster, cheaper, and with better results,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
After a unanimous vote in December to approve the 2020 Shared Services plan, Nassau County has begun working with municipalities to implement concrete and executable initiatives. As part of the Plan, Nassau County developed an Enhanced Energy Efficiency Program, to help municipalities expedite energy-saving projects and help reduce costs to taxpayers. Working with partners New York Power Authority, PSEG, and the Rockefeller Institute of Government, the County developed concrete methods through which municipalities can implement different energy efficiency initiatives. These include LED street-lighting conversions, electric vehicle charging stations, building energy audits, solar installations, energy rebates, as well as building lighting and HVAC upgrades. By working together, municipalities can see significant cost savings for varies projects, and be eligible to have those savings matched by grant funds from New York State’s County-wide Shared Services Initiative.
Over two dozen municipalities have responded to the survey so far. Initial responses to the survey point to widespread interest in projects such as building energy audits, solar and other energy producing installations, electric vehicle charging station installations and energy efficiency rebate programs.
Nassau County encourages other municipal shared services partners including villages, school districts and other eligible participants to participate in the survey. To receive a link to the survey, email sharedservices@nassaucountyny.gov.
The Nassau County Shared Services Panel includes representation from the Towns, cities, villages, school districts, library districts and fire districts in the County.