(Monticello, NY 3:00pm) - Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek is pleased to announce an upcoming event to introduce two exciting new cost effective and environmentally beneficial programs to Sullivan County commercial and not for profit property owners. Energize NY PACE Finance and Solarize Sullivan will be presented at an informational forum on April 18, 2017 in the Legislative Hearing Room of the Sullivan County Government Center, located at 100 North Street in Monticello, NY.
“Sullivan County is committed to promoting a clean and healthy environment,” said Potosek. “Programs like Energize NY and Solarize Sullivan represent a chance to engage our business and not for profit communities in these efforts by presenting opportunities to improve their operations, save money and take advantage of all the environmental benefits associated with clean energy technologies.”
Catherine Owens, Legislator for District 4 and Chairperson of the Agriculture and Sustainability Policy Committee, remarked, “Energize NY and Solarize Sullivan are two programs that have my full support. I am beyond pleased with the fact that we are able to present these programs to our community not only as environmentally friendly initiatives, but as cost saving initiatives as well. I am proud to be a part of this.”
Sullivan County’s new Energize NY PACE Finance program is a way for commercial and not for profit property owners to secure upfront capital for long-term energy investments in their buildings. PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing is now available for commercial and nonprofit buildings in Sullivan County to fund qualified energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.
With low-cost financing for up to 100% of the project cost, owners can make capital improvements without any capital expense. Financing is based on the property’s potential to save energy and carry the tax charge, not on the property owner’s credit, so you can save your capital expenditure budgets for other projects. Learn more about Energize NY PACE Finance here. You can also fill out a quick Pre-Application online to find out how much you are eligible for.
“PACE financing is a particularly powerful tool to help pay for renewable energy improvements and address aging equipment issues,” said Mark Thielking, Executive Director of Energize NY. “PACE financing enables building owners, who often have limited capital options to pay large upfront costs, to complete more comprehensive cost-effective energy improvements without overburdening their balance sheets.”
Catskill Mountainkeeper's Solarize Sullivan program is a campaign to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners and businesses to go solar, grow Sullivan County’s green workforce and help New York State make the transition to renewable energy. The Solarize Sullivan program is a four month, local effort that brings together groups of potential solar customers through widespread outreach and education. This model helps customers choose a solar installation company that is offering competitive and transparent pricing. Historically, Solarize campaigns lower the cost of solar 10 to 20 percent. Residents and businesses who sign up for solar installations by September 31st, 2017 will be able to take advantage of group rates that are below market prices.
"The combination of Solarize Sullivan's discount pricing and the Energize NY PACE Finance program puts solar within reach for Sullivan County business owners, helping to reduce Sullivan County's reliance on fossil fuels, create local jobs, and preserve the Catskill's natural environment," said Hailley Delisle, Campaign Coordinator for Solarize Sullivan.
This event is being hosted by Sullivan County with support from its economic development partners, including the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, the Sullivan County Visitors Association and the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development.
Cathy Paty, President/CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce said, “We are thrilled to work with our economic development partners and the County on promoting these valuable sustainable energy programs to ensure the economic and environmental success of our Sullivan Catskill businesses.”
Roberta Byron-Lockwood, President/CEO of the Sullivan County Visitors Association, echoed those sentiments. “The Sullivan Catskills Visitor Association is pleased to team with the county and our fellow economic agency partners to encourage an energy efficient future in the Sullivan Catskills for its visitors and residents.”
Commercial and not for profit property owners are strongly encouraged to attend this event. Each program will be featured with a presentation and we anticipate leaving ample time for question and answer.
Luis Alvarez, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature, summed up the event and programs fittingly. “Sullivan County is a beautiful location to live and work. As legislators, it is our job to support and promote economic development that will allow our citizens to thrive, while at the same time acting as good stewards of the environment. These programs allow us to do both.”
For more information about this event, or to RSVP, please contact Heather Brown, Sullivan County Sustainability Coordinator at (845) 807-0453 or heather.brown@sullivanny.us.
For more information about this press release, please contact the Sullivan County Manager’s Office at (845) 807-0450.
Attachment: Energize NY and Solarize Sullivan Event Flyer
