AMPED began providing resources to organizations and institutions in 2021, with a rich series of free webinars, a website packed with tools, and local case studies showing that the transition off fossil fuels was not only possible, but already happening in our area.
On November 30th, 2022, the Finger Lakes Regional Clean Energy Hub soft launched as an expansion of the AMPED campaign’s focus, replacing the previous HeatSmart Finger Lakes program. This NYSERDA-funded initiative aims to increase residential and small business access to clean energy technologies and ensure that historically under-resourced communities and populations participate in and benefit from this transition.
Through diverse outreach strategies, including tabling, presentations, and webinars, over 1,500 residents have been reached, reflecting a robust community engagement effort. Furthermore, the Hub's early participation was promising, with 190 enrollees, including 13 commercial clients, signifying a growing interest in clean energy solutions among both the residential and business sectors. This uptake is complemented by AMPED’s online marketing impact, which generated over 27,000 impressions, indicating successful outreach and awareness-building efforts. Additionally, as part of its mission to serve historically under-resourced communities, the Hub had 39.2% of its customers falling within NYSERDA-designated DAC (“disadvantaged community") categories.
In collaboration with community organizations and subcontractors, such as Causewave, Connected Communities, Ibero-American Action League, PathStone, RENEW, and others, we have streamlined access to clean energy technologies and incentives. Hub subcontractors and staff convene monthly, acting as the Buildings Working Group for the Climate Collective Steering Committee. The Hub became a partner of Together Now and 211’s MyWayfinder connecting providers network, which allows us to make and receive referrals between the Clean Energy Hub and other human service providers to meet the needs of our priority communities.
The AMPED commercial campaign has kept a steady stream of funding updates, resources, and compelling facts flowing, doubling our LinkedIn followers and adding 418 new community members eager to learn about the ins and outs of beneficial electrification to our mailing list. AMPED sent nearly 9,000 emails to help organizational leaders identify incentives, understand policy updates, recognize opportunities, build awareness of technology options, get inspired, and see beyond the misconceptions about electric vehicles and buildings. We hosted 5 webinars on topics like the relationship between electrification, health, and equity, the power of district heat pumps, and a deep explainer on electric grid reliability. 218 community members joined the webinars live, in addition to another 200 video views from folks tuning in after the fact.
We celebrated local momentum, showing the greater Rochester community that business goals and climate action can go hand in hand. Three AMPED case studies highlighted a new cohort of electric buses in the RTS fleet, an all-electric senior and affordable housing development at the historic Hickey Freeman factory, and the district geothermal system that powers the Factory's mixed-use complex.
Overall, AMPED stands as a beacon of progress in advancing clean energy access and equity in the region, with tangible outcomes reflected in its engagement metrics, enrollment figures, and impactful community partnerships.