2-1-1 Powered by the Sun
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Family and Children Services of the Capital Region (FCSCR) today unveiled a solar energy system that will supply all the electricity needed to run FCSCR’s regional United Way 2-1-1 call center—the first United Way 2-1-1 call center in New York to be powered completely with renewable energy. Using a $153,000 incentive from NYSERDA, Family and Children services will be able to reduce the call centers’ electricity bill in 2010 and beyond by $9,000 per year.
United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region is a centralized calling system for the public to obtain referrals to a full range of non-emergency services to support families in need, including locations for food pantries, affordable housing options, and employment assistance, as well as supports for the elderly, the disabled, children, and families.
“I applaud Family and Children Services of the Capital Region for partnering with NYSERDA and investing in a sustainable energy resource to support the call center’s operations,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “As Family and Children Services is demonstrating, New York’s not-for-profit organizations are important partners in helping to meet Governor David A. Paterson’s ambitious clean energy goals.”
Keith Pickett, Executive Director of FCSCR, added that “with NYSERDA’s assistance, the system we installed was amazingly affordable. I urge my colleagues in nonprofit organizations across the state to explore the possibilities represented by today’s green technologies. Funding and technical assistance, as we found, are often available from many state and local agencies, the benefits of utilizing renewable energy sources are inarguable, and by ‘going green,’ they will be setting an example in their respective communities just as we hope to do here in Albany.”
Through NYSERDA’s Solar-Electric incentive program, FCSCR received financial incentives to offset more than 60 percent of the purchase and installation costs for their 32kW solar system, installed by groSolar with local offices in Albany, which will provide power for the agency’s operations as well as the call center.
As of November, NYSERDA has provided more than $3 million in incentives for the installation of PV systems throughout the Capital Region or 54 percent more than last year in total ($926,000 Albany, $1,086,000 Rensselaer, $766,000 Saratoga, and $248,300 Schenectady).
These incentives have benefited 96 homeowners (33 Albany, 26 Rensselaer, 26 Saratoga, and 11 Schenectady), six businesses (two Albany, three Rensselaer, and one in Saratoga), and eight non-profit institutions (two Albany, four Rensselaer, one Saratoga, and one in Schenectady).
In addition to incentives provided by NYSERDA, consumers are also eligible to receive federal and state tax incentives to install solar technology.
Family and Children Services of the Capital Region is the oldest counseling and family not-for-profit in the country, soon to celebrate its 200th anniversary. The organization provides thousands of families and individuals with counseling, programs, and information resources they need to maintain satisfying and healthy lives.
For more information on NYSERDA’s Solar-Electric Incentive Program, including a list of eligible installers, visit www.powernaturally.org
“I would like to congratulate Family and Children Services of the Capital Region for their vision to invest in the green technologies that will reignite our economy, create jobs, and improve our environment, while remaining firm in their long and dedicated service to our community,” said Assemblyman Jack McEneny. “Today’s announcement underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in meeting our energy challenges, and I would like to thank NYSERDA for playing an active role in assisting Family and Children Services achieve their energy and environmental goals.”
“The renewable power generation at the Family and Children Services United Way 2-1-1 Center is exactly the type of innovation that we need to advance statewide. In addition to protecting the environment and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, this NYSERDA supported project will produce significant cost savings that will help sustain the vital service that the 2-1-1 call center is providing to the community,” said Assemblyman Tim Gordon.
Albany County Executive Michael G. Breslin said, “I am pleased Family and Children Services of the Capital Region could partner with NYSERDA for this very exciting project. The new solar energy system will increase energy efficiency for the 2-1-1 operations and protect our environment while supporting local green jobs. This is another example of Family and Children Services creative approach to serve people better and more efficiently.”
Said Mayor Gerald Jennings, “As we continue to employ "green" strategies, I am extremely pleased that NYSERDA has partnered with Family and Children Services of the Capital Region, to incorporate a renewable energy program that will power FCS' 2-1-1 Call Center. This not only demonstrates environmental responsibility, but also, truly exemplifies a cooperative venture that is earth friendly and effective at the same time.”
“This project is a great example of the public and private sectors working together to build a clean energy future, and a green economy, for the state of New York,” said groSolar CEO Jeff Wolfe. “We have a long way to go, but groSolar is glad to add to the tremendous momentum, making more opportunity for individuals and institutions across the state to take responsibility for creating a clean energy future.”
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