Barneveld, NY The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Citizens Energy Corp. celebrated the completion of a 1.4-megawatt solar project in the Mohawk Valley. Located at 10686 North Gage Rd. in Oneida County, Upstate Cerebral Palsy is the sole beneficiary of the commercial solar project, which supports governor Cuomo’s Green New Deal goals to obtain 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, including the installation of 6,000 megawatts of solar by 2025.

NYSERDA, through the NY-Sun program, provided $300,000 in support for the array, which is comprised of 3,600 panels. The project will offset almost all of Upstate Cerebral Palsy’s annual electricity load, providing an estimated savings to the organization of more than $30,000 annually. The 1.4-megawatt array will produce over 1.5 million kilowatt-hours annually, the equivalent of taking 184 cars off the road or powering 245 homes annually.

Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Under governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York has positioned itself as one of the fastest growing solar markets in the nation and is helping all New Yorkers realize the benefits of clean renewable energy projects like this one serving Upstate Cerebral Palsy. We are proud to partner with Citizens Energy and Upstate Cerebral Palsy on their environmental stewardship and commitment to reducing emissions in support of the state’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals.”

The solar array is owned and operated by Citizens Energy and was developed to contribute to New York State’s renewable energy goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the company’s 40-year mission of using energy ventures to generate revenues to make life’s basic needs, especially energy, more affordable for elderly and low-income households.

Michael Kennedy, director of business development, Citizens Energy said, “Citizens Energy is committed to a renewable energy future that both protects the planet and includes the participation of all sectors of society, including those in need and those who serve them, like our partner Upstate Cerebral Palsy. We have built solar arrays from California to the Carolinas, including the largest community solar project in the country. We’re proud to be soaking up some New York sun and helping a deserving organization save money with clean energy.” 

Citizens Energy founded in 1979 by former U.S. representative Joseph Kennedy II, who continues to serve as its chairman and president.

Geno DeCondo, Upstate Cerebral Palsy executive director, said,  “Over the past seven decades, Upstate Cerebral Palsy has established itself as a leader in providing innovative services for people in need. Upstate Cerebral Palsy is thrilled to partner with Citizens Energy and NYSERDA. The newly constructed seven-acre solar farm will provide discounted electricity to over 50 of our sites. The sites house or provide programs to thousands of people with developmental disabilities and the nearly 2000 staff that support them. With the help of our partners and consulting group, WMR Services LLC, we have been able to partner with Citizens Energy Corp. to achieve cost savings to support our critical programs, and at the same time harness renewable energy that reduces emissions and our carbon footprint.”

Upstate Cerebral Palsy is a multi-faceted health and human services organization that provides a broad range of support and programs for individuals with special needs and their families, across the lifespan. The organization’s mission is to provide innovative programs and services that support people and create opportunities to fulfill life choices, one person at a time. Upstate Cerebral Palsy is a major provider of comprehensive services to 15,000 individuals annually in Central New York, with over 2,000 employees at over 60 locations.

NY-Sun is governor Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move the state closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. Since 2011, solar in New York has increased more than 1,700% and leveraged nearly $3.8 billion in private investments. These investments have supported nearly 12,000 people engaged in solar jobs across the state. Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about solar energy can visit the NY-Sun website.