Reduce Energy Usage and Transition to Clean Energy

Electricity for government operations is purchased from solar farms upstate and delivered via NYSEG. Town residents can do the same through our Community Solar Campaign (embed link to sustainable putnam’s page https://sustainableputnam.org/7-steps/step-1/) and save up to 10% on their electricity costs.
The town’s streetlights have been concerted to energy-efficient LEDs. The next step will be conversion of lights in town-owned buildings. Residents can save money by switching to LEDs at home. https://sustainableputnam.org/7-steps/step-2/
The town is starting an energy benchmarking program with NYSERDA to evaluate which town-owned buildings can benefit from weatherization and energy improvements. Residents can also save energy and money by weatherizing their homes https://sustainableputnam.org/7-steps/step-3/
The transition to electric vehicles requires the availability of charging stations at town facilities and in public places. The Town has been awarded $23,027.64 for four Level 2 charging ports, to be installed at the Kent Town Center next to the Kent Public Library. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-more-83-million-municipalities-electric-vehicle-charging. Additional stations are being planned. Residents can make their next vehicle purchase be a hybrid of fully electric vehicle https://sustainableputnam.org/7-steps/step-5/
The Town is developing a Pedestrian and Cycling Plan with funding from DEC Climate Smart. We will plan ways to make places in the town more accessible on foot or by bicycle and then seek funding to build the planned projects.