Review of the Town of Washington Earth Day event April 19th, 2026 at the Town Park and Pool in Millbrook, NY. Dutchess County.
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!
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.