Enrollment is open for the Erie County Low Income Program for Sustainable
Energy (ECLIPSE) Community Solar Program
ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning has announced a program to promote energy savings and renewable energy for our residents through Community Solar. The Erie County Low Income Program for Sustainable Energy (“ECLIPSE”) program allows income-qualified renters and homeowners to lower their monthly utility bills and access the benefits of renewable energy without the need for solar panel installation on their property and will provide participants with savings of approximately 10% on their electric bill. The program is the result of efforts funded by NYSERDA to get energy savings to communities that need it most.
“Energy bills represent a significant portion of county residents' income, and this program will provide some relief. Currently there are over 80,000 low-to-moderate income households in Erie County who can benefit from this program and we encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity, especially as warmer weather starts to arrive and electric bills rise,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “In addition, ECLIPSE Community Solar can be coupled with other programs like Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Empower+ to ensure households can afford their energy bills. Now is the time to learn more and apply.”
Community Solar is a New York State program that enables residents to subscribe to shares of energy from regional community solar projects, supporting clean energy while reducing their annual electricity expense. Erie County has contracted with Ampion Renewable Energy to provide the community solar.
ECLIPSE is available to Erie County renters and homeowners who are benefiting from federal or state aid programs including Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Empower+, Lifeline, and similar programs. Residents who enroll keep their regular electric utility and receive their normal bill, but with credits applied at a 10% discount.
Income-qualified households can also learn more and enroll online at the ECLIPSE website at www.erie.gov/eclipse . Erie County will also be conducting outreach on the program, including sending postcards and staffing tables at community events to spread the word.
ECLIPSE furthers the goals of both the Erie County Community Climate Action Plan and Live Well Erie. In addition to providing cost savings to disadvantaged households, this partnership will expand the amount of renewable energy available throughout upstate New York as more solar energy capacity is built.
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