Regional Meetings Highlight New York’s Commitment to Helping Low-Income Consumers Lower Their Energy Use and Costs

Supports Governor Cuomo’s Green New Deal – a Nation-leading Clean Energy and Jobs Agenda that Ensures a Just Transition to Clean Energy and Prioritizes Low- to Moderate-Income New Yorkers

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Public Service Commission (Commission), in cooperation with the Low-Income Forum on Energy (LIFE) Steering Committee, today announced a series of seven upcoming regional meetings to help address the opportunities and challenges facing low-income New Yorkers throughout the state. These regional meetings support Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s nation-leading Green New Deal, a nation-leading clean energy and jobs agenda that ensures a just transition to clean energy and prioritizes low- to moderate-income New Yorkers.

The LIFE Regional Meetings are open to the public and are designed to foster education and awareness of low income initiatives for human service providers, nonprofit and government administrators, advocates, utility representatives, contractors and installers and policy makers, and to meet and network with those who share in the same commitment to helping low-income energy customers in New York. This statewide dialogue brings together organizations and individuals to address opportunities and barriers facing low-income New Yorkers and covers topics ranging from energy affordability policies, clean energy and utility assistance programs, emerging energy issues, best practices, and innovative solutions in the low-income energy space.

John B. Rhodes, Chair, New York State Public Service Commission said, “Two essential elements of Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision -- energy affordability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions -- are especially important for low-income communities, which tend to be the most vulnerable to higher energy bills and environmental issues. For over 20 years LIFE has proved to be an invaluable resource for service providers and community leaders to share essential information that can help low-income New Yorkers maintain their utility service.”

Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy to our most vulnerable New Yorkers is a cornerstone of Governor Cuomo’s Green New Deal.  As part of the state’s efforts to encourage collaboration among service providers and other professionals, the LIFE Regional Meeting Series offers valuable insight and guidance into the programs and services available to address the critical needs of low-income communities.”

The LIFE 2019 Regional Meeting Series will be held throughout the state in May and June 2019:

• May 9 – Hudson Valley – Poughkeepsie, NY
• May 14 – North Country – Lake Placid, NY
• May 16 – Capital Region – Malta, NY
• May 22 – Western New York – Rochester, NY
• May 23 – Southern Tier – Corning, NY
• June 13 – Long Island – Woodbury, NY
• June 14 – New York City – Manhattan, NY

For more information on the meetings, including time and location, visit the LIFE 2019 Regional Meetings website.

Content provided at the sessions will include advancing energy affordability, access to clean energy, updates on the latest statewide low-income energy policy as well as information about regional programs from local speakers and utilities. The LIFE initiative is guided by the LIFE Steering Committee, which is chaired by a representative of the New York State Department of Public Service and is comprised of member organizations that represent statewide organizations, electric and gas utilities, and state and local government.  Administrative support and management of the LIFE program is provided by NYSERDA.

Since 1999, LIFE has hosted statewide conferences and regional meetings to discuss the affordable energy policies and issues impacting low-income New Yorkers and is the nation’s longest running statewide dialogue addressing low-income energy needs. Over the years, LIFE has built a reputation as an important hub attracting diverse stakeholders and strengthening the exchange of ideas and resources that helps low-income communities energy needs.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter,  Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.

About New York State Public Service Commission

The primary mission of the New York State Department of Public Service is to ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York State’s residential and business consumers, while protecting the natural environment. The Department also seeks to stimulate effective competitive markets that benefit New York consumers through strategic investments, as well as product and service innovations. To learn more about NYSPSC, visit dps.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, or Facebook.