White Plains, Yonkers designated by NYSERDA as ‘Clean Energy Communities’

Both White Plains and Yonkers have been recognized by the state for commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The cities announced in separate press releases on Monday that each was named as a Designated Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The program, announced in August by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, offers up to $250,000 to designated communities to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects. The state has set aside $16 million total for the initiative.

White Plains received the designation for completing four of the 10 so-called “high-impact clean energy actions” that NYSERDA uses to judge municipalities. The city’s efforts included training on energy code enforcement, developing a standard solar permit application, joining the Energize NY financing program and investing in alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure for its fleet.

The designation allows White Plains to apply to the state for up to $250,000 toward clean energy projects, with no local costs. The city said in the press release that it will apply for funding for LED lighting in city parks and parking garages and to help further its micro-grid development.

Yonkers also completed four of the 10 high-impact clean energy actions. The city provided training on energy code enforcement, developed a standard solar permit application, invested in alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure for its fleet and converted street lights to LED.

The city can now apply for up to $150,000 in state funding without local cost share for clean energy projects.

The villages of Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Croton-on-Hudson and the town of Ossining have also been designated as Clean Energy Communities, according to a list from NYSERDA.