Program navigation
We will help you navigate the program, explore opportunities that work for your community, set out a manageable workplan, and connect you to resources.
Clean Energy Communities
2022: A Year in Review
Read about the great work happening across our region through the Clean Energy Communities and Climate Smart Communities programs with this 2022 summary.
Clean Energy Communities 3.0 is here!
In December 2023 NYSERDA launched the Clean Energy Communities 3.0 program. Updates include new High Impact Actions, a community Star Rating System, and increased grant funding opportunities for municipalities across the state.
In 2016, the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) launched the Clean Energy Communities program to help local NYS municipalities embrace clean energy projects, programs, and policies. UBRI is part of a statewide technical assistance network helping NYSERDA implement this program. Our team is conducting outreach and offering hands-on technical assistance to communities in Erie and Niagara counties.
To learn how your community can get involved with the Clean Energy Communities program, please contact the UBRI Clean Energy Communities coordinator Jason Kulaszewski at (716) 878-2441.
About the program
The Clean Energy Communities program is organized around “High Impact Actions” designed to help communities save energy costs, create jobs, and contribute to statewide energy and sustainability goals. Actions involve activities like measuring and reducing energy consumption, encouraging solar installations through permitting and localized campaigns, investing in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, LED street lighting, code enforcement training, and more.
What technical assistance can look like...
Hands-on support
For time-consuming or technical tasks, we’re here to provide hands on support to help you get the work done.
Training and education
We host regular training and education programs to support informed decision-making around clean energy in your community.
The High Impact Action Roundtable events are hosted monthly via zoom to learn and share information on the actions from the Clean Energy Communities Program. You can view past events here.
The One Region Forward Learning Series is part of ongoing efforts to support local action around the plan’s vision. Each session focuses on a topic related to One Region Forward’s implementation agenda and includes information, resources, and case studies on how ideas can move into implementation at the local level. You can view all past events here.
Model ordinances
We can help you draft ordinances, local laws, or other documents necessary to advance this work.
Project development support
As you look to develop projects, we can help strategize impactful opportunities and support grant award applications.
Buffalo Niagara Program Updates
Moving Clean Energy Forward from 2017 to 2020
Moving Clean Energy Forward in 2021. A Year in Review
Moving Resiliency Forward in 2022
Project Partners
