2024 Energy Needs Assessment

As part of NYSERDA’s Regional Clean Energy Hubs program, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County and its partners have developed a Regional Assessment and Barriers Analysis of regional needs, barriers, and opportunities to advance an inclusive clean energy economy. The assessment compiles demographics, building and energy data, NYSERDA program data, and qualitative input from local stakeholders of the needs, barriers, and opportunities around accessing the clean energy economy.

Through an annual updating process, our analysis, and stakeholder engagement, we will grow our understanding of the barriers and historical inequities facing Mid-Hudson community residents, especially marginalized communities in accessing government investments in clean energy. Taken together, this analysis and stakeholder engagement forms the core of a living and evolving strategy for energy outreach and education that meets the needs of our diverse and unique region.

Story Map

An interactive Story Map accompanies this analysis as a transparent vehicle for sharing findings and inviting public participation before, during, and after the creation of an Equitable Engagement Plan for the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub serving Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester Counties.

Acknowledgements

Developing this report would not have been possible without the passion, commitment, feedback, and expertise of hundreds of individuals who have been generous with their time, knowledge, and experience. Thank you to our funders at NYSERDA, the Regional Clean Energy Hubs Program Managers, NYSERDA program teams, and technical assistance contractors for investing in our communities and for your guidance and feedback to improve this project. Thank you to all of our contributing authors and support staff on the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub including past and present staff: Collin Adkins, Mike Murphy, Frankie Lede, Fernando Ahumada, Rocio Sharrock, Lauren Brois, Lauren Kroell, Megan Ort, Melissa Iachetta, Cal Trumann, Sean Carroll, Carolyn Klocker, Amanda Catale, Faith Laudano, LaQuan Rosario, Sean Welsh, Tien Vo, and Mary Colomaio; and Melanie Gárate, Abby Fullem, David Beron, Charlotte Goodman (Consensus Building Institute).

Thank you to our Advisory Committee members who have shaped the strategic direction of this research and mobilized members of your communities to share their experiences: Brianna Rodriguez, Carla Castillo, Emily Mauro, Gautam Sethi, Norah Mosqueah, Paul Presendieu, Sheri Reid, and Wildfredo Morel. Thank you to our stakeholder event participants, focus group interviewees, and survey respondents for sharing your experiences, feedback, and needs with us. It is our privilege to serve you. We thank our peers in the Regional Clean Energy Hubs for the co-development of the Regional Assessment and Barriers Analysis process and sharing resources with one another. We look forward to continuing this journey towards a just energy transition together.