On March 4, 2026 residents from across Dutchess County gathered at the Brexel Schlathaus Park Community Center in the Town of Wappinger for the first Energy Savings Simplified event, an in person outreach effort designed to connect households directly with programs that lower energy costs and improve home comfort.
The event was co-hosted by Central Hudson in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County and the Mid Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub, with the goal of making it easier for residents to understand and enroll in energy affordability programs. Throughout the evening, a steady stream of residents stopped by to speak one on one with trained Energy Advisors and outreach staff.
Mid Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub Energy Advisors Sean Seary and Rocio Sharrock Assisting Clients with Empower+ Enrollments
These conversations focused on helping households understand what programs they qualify for and guiding them through the application process in real time. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to sit down with a knowledgeable advisor and receive personalized support navigating what can often feel like a complicated system of incentives, assistance programs, and eligibility requirements. By offering application assistance in person, the event helped remove common barriers that can prevent residents from accessing programs that reduce energy costs and improve the safety and efficiency of their homes.
Town Supervisor, Joey Cavaccini, stopped by to speak with residents in addition to Town Councilman Al Casella.
Several community partners joined the event to provide additional support and information. Representatives from the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, the New York State Department of Public Service, and the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services were available to answer questions and connect residents with complementary services. Local leadership also showed their support for the initiative, with Town of Wappinger Supervisor Joey Cavaccini and Town Councilman Al Casella stopping by to speak with residents and learn more about the programs being offered.
Representatives from the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, NYS Department of Public Service, and the Dutchess County Department of Community Services were also on site to provide information and support.
The Mid Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub looks forward to continuing this work and expanding the series to additional communities in the coming months. These types of events create opportunities for residents to receive direct support from trusted local organizations while learning about programs that can help lower energy bills, improve home comfort, and make homes more energy efficient.
Residents who were unable to attend are encouraged to explore available programs and connect with a local Energy Advisor through Mid Hudson Energy Choices. Energy Advisors provide free, neutral guidance to help households understand energy efficiency upgrades, available incentives, and bill assistance programs that can lower costs and improve home comfort. Advisors can help residents identify which programs they may qualify for, explain the application process, and connect households with trusted contractors and program partners.
Get in Touch With an Energy Advisor Today
Mid-Hudson Energy Choices program can help you reduce your energy use, save money, and improve the comfort of your home or commercial building.