Westchester Power Community Energy Program Director Speaks at Village Board Meeting

By Stephen E. Lipken

Larchmont Mayor Lorraine Walsh opened the Monday, June 18th Board of Trustees meeting, calling for a Sustainable Westchester presentation by Dan Welsh, Director, Westchester Power, Community Energy Program, a green energy-saving initiative.

Welsh said that the Electric Power Program of Westchester Power Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) has been running for six years with 29 municipalities and 140,000 residents and small businesses, 30-40% of Westchester households and was the first such community energy initiative in New York State.

“Pressures are coming from factors in the energy market, specifically natural gas, the fuel that today supplies wholesale electricity.  Although there is renewable power, gas-fired generators are still dominant.  The amount of exported gas went up greatly with the building of some new pipelines.

“Westchester Power Benefits include a Vetted Community Program, Cost Control and Stability, Advocacy and Education and Mitigating Climate Change.”

Mentioning Westchester Power Solar Credit Offering, Welsh that said that solar credits in electricity bills are available to eligible participants on an opt-out basis.  “Low-to moderate-income households are our top priority to receive solar credit savings.  Since solar credits do guarantee savings, all households enrolled in utility’s energy assistance programs are eligible to receive solar credits.

“Sign up for the GridRewards app and connect to your Con Edison account.  View your energy usage, get saving tips and more…Earn cash and make a positive environmental impact,” Welsh concluded.  

Sustainable Westchester General: info@sustainablewestchester.org; 

Westchester Power: westchesterpower@sustainablewestchester.org.

In other news, Police Chief Christopher McNerney reported a theft of an automobile catalytic converter and recommended that checks be sent by certified mail.  He announced that the Sixth Annual Poker Fund will be held at Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club on Friday, August 5th; registration 5:30 p.m., Poker at 6:30 p.m. to benefit the March of Dimes.

Fire Chief John Caparelli announced retirement of Lieutenant Anthony “Tony” Martyn after 33 years of service and promotion of Firefighter Michael Ettere to Lieutenant.

The 100th Anniversary of the construction of Village Hall will be celebrated on Monday, September 19th.