FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 6, 2025
Contact: Nicole Draina, ANCA Clean Energy Communications Coordinator, [email protected] or 518.891.6200
Clean Energy Hub Invites Contractors to Apply for Grant Opportunity
Up to $25,000 incentive available for energy efficiency contractors to expand residential services
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. — The North Country Clean Energy Hub is offering grants for North Country building contractors to provide or expand energy efficiency or building auditing services for residents and businesses. In coordination with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) EmPower+ program, the Hub anticipates awarding a minimum of two contractors individual awards of up to $25,000. Empower+ helps low- and moderate-income households save energy and money through energy efficient home upgrades.
The grant opportunity, which will be administered by the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), is aimed at providing services to critical areas in Clinton, northern Franklin, and northern St. Lawrence Counties. Applications must be submitted by March 28, 2025.
Empower+ is the primary avenue for low- and moderate-income households to access state and federal incentives for home energy efficiency improvements.
“This is a great opportunity for local contractors to expand their business or diversify their offerings while meeting a critical need for area residents,” said ANCA’s North Country Clean Energy Hub Director, Erin Griffin.
The grant was designed to address a shortage of contractors participating in the EmPower+ program across the Hub’s service area: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. The demand for Empower+ projects in the North Country far exceeds the capacity of current participating contractors.
Applicants may request funds for equipment, certifications, staff time, and other expenses associated with becoming a participating EmPower+ contractor, or for existing EmPower+ contractors to expand services to underserved areas of the North Country.
Any contractor may apply to this grant opportunity, however, scoring preference will be given to those who can offer heat pump installation services, including subcontracting arrangements, and are located in the seven-county service area of the Hub.
Awarded applicants will also be eligible for an additional $2,000 incentive upon provisional status as an EmPower+ contractor or upon successful expansion of services by June of 2026.
To apply, contractors are asked to submit a Request for Proposals (RFP) and required materials by March 28, 2025
The full RFP can be viewed on the North Country Clean Energy Hub website at northcountrycleanenergyhub.org/contractor-grant-opportunities. For more information about the grant opportunity for contractors, contact Erin Griffin, ANCA’s North Country Clean Energy Hub Director, at [email protected].
The North Country Clean Energy Hub (the Hub) is a team of organizations, funded by NYSERDA, working to support people and businesses in adopting clean energy technology, utilizing energy efficiency programs, and finding jobs in the clean energy industry. These initiatives can save money, make homes healthier, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Hub is led by the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) with partners including Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, and SUNY Canton.
ANCA is an independent, nonprofit corporation with a transformational approach to building prosperity across northern New York. Using innovative strategies for food systems, clean energy, small businesses, and equity and inclusion, ANCA delivers targeted interventions that create and sustain wealth and value in local communities.
Photo: Justin Pallack, owner of The Heat Keepers in Saranac Lake, reviews building envelope upgrades with resident Martha Watts as part of the North Country Clean Energy Hub’s outreach efforts.
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