Sustainable Westchester Celebrates The 5th Anniversary Of Its Westchester Power Program

Press release from the City of White Plains:

June 18, 2021

Sustainable Westchester marks the 5th anniversary of its Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program, known as Westchester Power. The program allows municipalities to negotiate a fixed-rate clean, renewable electricity supply on behalf of local residents and small businesses.

"On this fifth anniversary of the Westchester Power program, we should particularly appreciate the clarity of vision displayed by Westchester municipalities in the formation of this cornerstone of the community energy movement,” said Nina Orville, Executive Director, Sustainable Westchester. “The next steps take us deeper into the energy ecosystem and require even closer collaboration. Sustainable Westchester is excited to be working on the tools and program structures to facilitate that, and importantly, to increase access to the benefits of the clean energy transition."

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach said, "In White Plains we are committed to a greener and more sustainable future. Our sustainability initiatives have produced tangible benefits for our residents, our community, and for the environment. Our municipal solar program is expected to generate 6 megawatts of power annually. The adoption of the unified solar permit resulted in an explosion of new solar residential installations. We have built a network of electric vehicle charging stations in all municipally owned structures and lots throughout the city. Community Choice Aggregation has mitigated 775,000 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide, the equivalent to taking 168,000 cars off the road in 1 year. Participation in Westchester Power gives residents the opportunity to access 100% renewable energy at a fixed rate. We will continue to look at every opportunity to foster positive change and address the climate crisis."

Sustainable Westchester is a non-profit membership organization comprised of 44 municipalities and the county itself in Westchester County. It offers a range of solutions and programs to create vibrant, healthy communities including Westchester Power, the first CCA program in New York State.

Since its inception, elected officials from 28 local governments have chosen to enroll their communities into the Westchester Power program. Whether motivated by a desire to meet local climate goals, provide more energy options, or ensure strong consumer protections, Westchester Power is helping communities achieve their energy goals. Westchester Power has grown to be the default electricity supply for approximately 115,000 homes and small businesses in communities throughout Westchester County.

All but two participating municipalities have chosen 100 percent New York renewable energy to be the default electricity supply for their communities. As a result, Westchester Power has created significant environmental benefits, eliminating approximately 775,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

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This press release was produced by the City of White Plains. The views expressed here are the author’s own.