During the Climate Solutions Summit in Syracuse, N.Y., this past May, Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs were spotlighted as a potent way to fight against climate change.
The Solutions Summit provided information about how communities throughout central New York can implement climate solutions. About 200 people attended the one-day gathering, sharing projects, case studies, resources, and experiences to implement climate change solutions.
Keynote speakers included Oren Lyons, faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, Eric Walker, renewable energy adviser and former director of sustainable development for Erie County, and Judith Enck, regional EPA administrator for former President Barack Obama.
“Climate change is the most urgent environmental, economic, health, agriculture and ethical issue of our generation,” Enck said.
During the summit, attendees were learned how community choice aggregation can combat climate change. Through CCA programs, municipalities choose renewable energy options while potentially receiving lower energy rates.
“Community choice aggregation programs give communities the power to decide on the source of their energy,” says Javier Barrios, Managing Partner of New York City-based energy consultant Good Energy. “For communities that want to protect the environment, CCA programs are a powerful tool.”
Good Energy is working to create CCA with five New York communities, including Cairo, Coxsackie, New Baltimore, Fayetteville and Minoa. Also, communities in Massachusetts, Illinois, and New Jersey have increased renewable energy content in their power supplies with the help of Good Energy CCA programs.
“Good Energy CCA programs are one of the most cost-effective ways for communities to make a difference and help save the environment,” Barrios says. “These programs may provide communities with opportunities for new revenue, assist with utility reform, and create jobs.”
For more information about how a New York CCA program can allow your community to help save the environment, visit goodenergy.com or call 518-514-2798.