Claverack Moves Forward on Renewable Energy and Efficiency

By, Climate Smart Claverack Committee

Since Claverack Climate Smart’s inception in 2020, improving energy efficiency of town operations has been a central aspect of our mission. In March the town board took a major step by contracting with Centrica, an energy management design and engineering company, to conduct a feasibility analysis of a full energy improvement project for the town garage. This will include: 

• A ground mounted solar array, which will offset energy demands of the town garage and other facilities that buy energy from National Grid;

• A Geothermal heat pump system for heating the garage, replacing the fuel oil boilers as the primary energy source;

• Building envelope improvements per the recommendations from the 2024 Garage Energy Audit to significantly reduce the building’s heat loss.

As part of the project, Centrica will assist the town to capture rebates and tax credits (subsidies) to offset project costs. The project has a fairly tight timeline due to expiring energy and tax credits, and the town will need to move quickly with approvals and public hearings.

Once completed in 2027, this project will be a big contribution to Claverack’s future energy security.  By owning its own energy generation, the town will protect itself against rising energy costs for decades, and will have opportunities to insure against energy shocks and fluctuations in the future.

Centrica expects to provide final cost estimates – and plans to partially offset those costs with grants and credits – before June.  Even after credits, the town will face some expenses that will require discussion and buy-in from residents.  Early discussions suggest a bond might be issued to finance the project, but this is not yet decided.

Whatever the means chosen to complete this important step forward for Claverack’s municipal government and residents, voters will be participants in the discussion.  The town is planning for one or more public hearings to inform and to receive feedback, and Climate Smart is actively involved in meetings with Centrica and town officials.  We are enthusiastic at this stage – as presented, this project looks like a real solution for energy management and security as Claverack plans for the future.