Healthful Cooking Pilot Project Brings Clean Cooking Solutions to Sullivan County Families

Date: May 2026 

In early 2026, the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Smart Energy Choices partnered with Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) to launch the Healthful Cooking Pilot Project, an initiative designed to improve access to safer, healthier, and more efficient cooking options for Sullivan County residents.

The project's goal is ambitious: distribute 500 portable induction cooktops, along with compatible cookware and utensils, to individuals and families throughout the county. Thanks to SALT's extensive outreach and its Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard mobile food pantry, to date, nearly 350 induction cooktops have been distributed to local households.

Through the Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard, SALT reaches approximately 700 households each week, providing an ideal opportunity to connect residents with resources that can improve both health and household energy use.

Why Induction Cooking?

Many households in Sullivan County rely on propane, hot plates, microwaves, or older cooking appliances to prepare meals. The Healthful Cooking Pilot Project introduces residents to induction cooking technology as a cleaner, safer alternative.

Unlike traditional gas stoves, induction cooktops use electricity to generate an electromagnetic current that directly heats compatible cookware. Because the cookware itself becomes the heat source, induction cooking is highly efficient and allows for faster, more precise temperature control.

Gas appliances, which burn natural gas, propane, or butane, can release pollutants into the home, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other combustion byproducts. These pollutants contribute to poor indoor air quality and can increase respiratory health risks, particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Building Awareness of Clean Energy Solutions

For many participants, the cooktop they receive through the program is their first experience with induction technology. The pilot project provides an opportunity for residents to see firsthand how clean energy solutions can improve comfort, convenience, and health in everyday life.

As the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub continues to support communities throughout the region, partnerships like this one demonstrate how practical, accessible technologies can help households save money, improve indoor air quality, and participate in New York's clean energy transition.

Here’s what participants are saying: 

“I was so afraid that there may be an accident with my gas stove. Now I use this induction cooktop all of the time and it feels much safer”  - Sullivan County Resident

“This cooktop is a savior because my stove is broken!”  - Sullivan County Resident

“I had been cooking with just a microwave and have much better cooking options now with the induction cooktop!”  - Sullivan County Resident

“I’m really happy with it. It is really easy to use.”  - Sullivan County Resident

With over half of the project's cooktops already distributed, the Healthful Cooking Pilot Project is helping hundreds of Sullivan County families experience the benefits of clean cooking, one meal at a time. 

Visit the link below to learn more about the project:

https://www.saltcares.com/healthful-cooking-pilot-project-2026

How NYSERDA’s AMP Up Program Can Lower Upgrade Costs and Boost Contractors’ Project Pipelines

Upgrading local multifamily properties just became more affordable. Across the Mid-Hudson region, residents can now take advantage of new incentives. Whether you are a building owner looking to cut energy costs and boost property value, or a clean energy contractor looking to expand your project pipeline, NYSERDA’s Affordable Multifamily Program for Upstate (AMP Up), which launched in April 2026, offers a direct path to high-value incentives.

At a recent AMP Up Roadshow hosted at Highpoint in Newburgh, local contractors, property owners, and managers gathered to explore how this program makes building improvements simpler and far more affordable. Here is everything you need to know about what AMP Up offers, who qualifies, and how it directly benefits your bottom line.

What AMP Up Delivers for Owners and Contractors:

For Building Owners and Property Managers (5+ units)

• Substantial Cost Savings: Access incentives that significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs for critical building upgrades.

• Increased Property Value: Funding covers high-impact energy efficiency and resiliency upgrades that extend building lifespan and lower operational expenses.

• Streamlined Process: NYSERDA provides dedicated program administrators to walk you through the application and evaluation phases.

For Building Owners, Property Managers, and Clean Energy Contractors

• Larger Project Scopes: Incentive support enables owners to take on broader retrofits, including building envelope improvements, modern windows, upgraded heating and cooling systems, appliances, and resiliency upgrades.

Eligibility Criteria: Tailored for Mid-Hudson Properties

• Tenant Income Threshold: At least 25% of the building’s tenants must be at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI).

• Flexible Unit Aggregation: While standard multifamily definitions start at 5 or more units, AMP Up allows owners to combine smaller properties (including 2-unit buildings) to meet the threshold.

Ready to Get Started?

Energy Advisors at the Mid-Hudson Hub are ready to assist with initial assessments, eligibility checks, and application guidance to ensure your projects move forward seamlessly. Reach out to midhudsonenergy@cornell.edu to get connected with an Energy Advisor!

Putnam Energy Affordability Community Campaign

On Tuesday April 21, 2026, Sean Seary, Putnam County Community Energy Advisor with the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub, and Joe Montuori of Sustainable Putnam, kicked off their first of several events under the Putnam Energy Affordability Community Campaign. The campaign – supported by NYSERDA – is a joint effort between the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub and Sustainable Putnam. Sean and Joe combine their expertise in their respective roles to help reduce home energy costs, improve energy efficiency, enhance home comfortability, and promote sustainable living practices for the residents of Putnam County.  

The Putnam Energy Affordability Community Campaign will provide free informational resources and home energy efficiency guidance, along with a series of virtual and in-person community education workshops

The first event, a webinar titled “Making Home Energy More Affordable,” discussed some of the broader goals of the Putnam Energy Affordability Community Campaign, including an overview of DIY home energy improvements, available incentives, rebates, and energy efficiency programs offered by NYS, Putnam County, local nonprofit agencies, and utilities. It also explained how to schedule a 1:1 home energy consultation with Joe or Sean. 

All the services provided by this community campaign are free

The Community Campaign will run for six months, from April – October, culminating in an event called the “Putnam County Home Energy Expo” in the fall, which will showcase energy-efficient technologies and reputable local contractors specializing in insulation, heating and cooling systems, solar and more, along with local, regional, and state agencies who assist residents with energy efficiency and adjacent programming.  However, the work needed in Putnam County doesn’t end there, as both Joe and Sean will be available to provide guidance and assistance long after the community campaign ends.

For more information on Putnam Energy Affordability Community Campaign events, resources, and scheduling consultations, please visit the Putnam Energy Affordability Landing Page or the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub Website.  

Natural Refrigerant Training Summit

From February 10 through 12, 2026, more than 350 industry professionals, students, and partners gathered in Poughkeepsie, NY, for the Natural Refrigerant Training Summit, a first of its kind event in the region focused on advancing sustainable refrigeration technologies and workforce development.

The summit was cohosted by New Yorkers for Clean Power; Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub; and the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council, whose national expertise and hands on training modules helped make this event possible.

People watching demonstration and instruction during this event.

Hands-On Training Meets Real World Application

With support from NASRC, participants engaged in hands-on, technical training designed to prepare today’s workforce for tomorrow’s refrigeration systems. For many, this marked the first opportunity to work directly with natural refrigerants like CO2 and propane in a structured training environment.

Over the course of three days:

• 190+ Refrigeration Technicians attended 57 rotating classes and hands-on sessions focusing on CO2, propane, and current regulations from 21 industry expert trainers.

• 70+ HVACR Students & Faculty participated in the Cool Futures Career Fair, where they learned about a career in refrigeration, connected with technician mentors, and gained a better understanding of the climate benefits and employment opportunities available through natural refrigeration.

• 70+ technicians attended a specialized half-day CO2 workshop for in-depth training on CO2 booster system remodels.

Participants left with stronger technical knowledge and greater confidence, with 98% reporting improved understanding of CO2 systems and 92% reporting increased confidence working with them.

Hear what students from Cool Futures had to say:

Event attendee showing off an event shirt.

In response to the question: After today’s session, what most excites you about a potential career in commercial refrigeration?

“I like taking things apart and putting them back together, and it’s hard work, but fun, and you tend to make a lot of money in the field.”

“The ability to contribute to the green energy movement/decarbonization. As well as earn a skill that I can take with me everywhere and get paid well.”

Interested in a career in Clean Energy?

Whether you are a student, instructor, or job seeker who attended, registered, or were unable to make it, the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub can connect you with NYSERDA supported opportunities, including clean energy internships, clean energy fellowships, and other workforce programs designed to help you get started in the field.

Looking for the right clean energy opportunity or support program? Our Workforce Development Team can help you navigate available internships, training programs, employer funding, and fellowship pathways. Whether you are a job seeker, contractor, educator, or building owner, we will help you find the program that fits your goals.

Click here to get in touch with our workforce team!

Start your clean energy career today.

If you have questions about applying, your application status, or next steps, reach out to our workforce team. We are here to support you on your clean energy worforce journey!

Workforce Support

Energy Savings Simplified: Wappinger Residents Connect with Real Help to Lower Energy Bills

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.