Just In! for February 25, 2023

The weekly newsletter of the New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO)

Just In! is NY-GEO's weekly news feed for members. NY-GEO's calendar-year memberships are open to everyone and available for as little as $35. See more information on memberships here. If we send you a complementary copy and you're not a member of NY-GEO, it means we value your role in the transition to renewable heating, but without a membership, please don't count on getting Just In! weekly.

NY-GEO 2023 Conference Program Schedule At a Glance - Don't miss the event that brings together the best of the best in the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry. The schedule is filling out with dynamic programing. Click here for conference information.

10 Facts About All-Electric New Buildings – Rewiring America – “Rewiring America has created a memo debunking 10 common myths about the All-Electric Buildings Act and electrification more generally. The memo underscores the countless benefits electrification will bring the state from slashing emissions and generating thousands of jobs to improving air quality and lowering energy bills for New Yorkers across the state. The memo also disproves the gas industry’s most notorious myths regarding the electric grid's capacity and the reliability of electric appliances.” Report website here.

Buffalo Hires Climate Action Manager – Caitlin Dewey - Buffalo News – “(Kelly) St. John understands…that climate risks will fall heaviest on low-income residents and people of color – much as the December blizzard did. One significant challenge is the older age of the city’s housing stock, which leaves thousands of households without central air conditioning, efficient furnaces or adequate insulation. She said she is also cognizant of concerns about future climate migration, which both the mayor and Invest Buffalo Niagara, the region’s foremost economic development group, have touted as a potential source of growth." Full article here.

Report: Transition to Renewables Will Cut Utility Bills in Maryland – “A new report from the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER) and PSE Healthy Energy, provides an in-depth analysis of energy cost burdens throughout Maryland. Over the coming decades, the report shows that targeted investments in clean energy and efficiency can help Maryland achieve its nation-leading climate goals, while dramatically reducing energy burdens, improving public health, and saving billions compared to bill assistance. On the other hand, a siloed approach to energy affordability could exacerbate the challenge.” Thanks to PSE Healthy Energy for this tip. Report website here.

Carbon credits to Fund Heat Pump Projects ? – Jeff St. John - Canary Media – “Building-electrification projects will be one type of carbon offset available on WattCarbon’s market, with the aim of eliminating fossil fuels from buildings, especially for heating. These are the kinds of projects that Colorado-based home-electrification startup Elephant Energy is planning to offer up to offset buyers…’WattCarbon is the first one who’s approached us about how could we collectively monetize the decarbonization benefits of the assets’ Elephant Energy is deploying in homes,’ said D.R. Richardson, Elephant’s CEO. ‘It’s an attractive concept, but it comes with a lot of complications...But at the end of the day, I am a believer in Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good,’ Richardson said.” Full article here.

$2.75 Million Settlement re Gas Fire – Mike Randall – Times Herald Record – Brewster, NY -“The state Public Service Commission has accepted the terms of a $2.75 million settlement with New York State Electric and Gas …Under the terms of the settlement agreement, NYSEG shareholders will credit gas customers $2.75 million in full satisfaction of all alleged violations related to its response to the Feb. 2, 2022, leak. The funds will be used for gas ratepayer benefits, at the discretion of the commission.” (from 2023 01 17 – City & State First Read) Full article here from lohud.

Brewster firefighters, with help from several Putnam and northern Westchester departments battle as gas-fed fire that destroyed a two family home on Carmel Ave in the village of Brewster Feb. 2, 2022. Frank Becerra Jr. / The Journal News

Super Bowl Premature Electrification Ad – RAM Trucks - Fun 1-minute Super Bowl commercial pokes fun at EV range anxiety. Click here.

Huge Cost Savings for Energy System Decarbonization – Oxford Martin School – “Transitioning to a decarbonised energy system by around 2050 is expected to save the world at least $12 trillion compared to continuing our current levels of fossil fuel use.” Contrary to fears that an energy system decarbonization transition would be costly and harm the economy, a study by the Oxford Martin School shows the reverse. Per the study: “an ambitious, decisive transition to green energy technologies such as solar, wind, and batteries, will likely save the world significant sums of money.” Full story here

Labor Leaders Call on Legislature to Make Green Energy Union Friendly – Rebecca C. Lewis – City & State - “Gov. Kathy Hochul excluded labor standards in her climate proposals.  Unions want to change that… unions are calling for ‘gold-star labor standards’ to get attached to both new and existing green energy projects that receive funding from the state. The labor standards include union prevailing wages, prevailing wages for staff in the finished projects, labor peace agreements and utilizing apprenticeship programs.” Full article here.

IRS Releases Guidance on Clean Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits – Foley Hoag Law Firm - The Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) renewed tax credits under Section 48C of the Internal Revenue Code for qualifying advanced energy projects. The goal of the program is to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity and jobs for clean energy technologies (including production, recycling and refining), to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to boost domestic supply chains for critical materials (including specified critical minerals) needed for clean energy technology production. Full article here

WaterFurnace heat pump factory

Hochul and Senate Clash on Public Power – Lee Harris – New York Focus - The New York Power Authority manages resources built half a century ago. But a plan to make it the vanguard of clean energy could be hamstrung by labor-environmentalist divisions. From 2023 01 16– City & State First Read Click here for New York Focus and The American Prospect report.

How the ‘Electrify Everything’ Movement Went Mainstream – “A report published Wednesday by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to getting fossil fuels out of buildings, estimates that one in five Americans now reside in a place that encourages or requires landlords and developers to eschew gas. Panama Bartholomy, the organization’s executive director, told Grist. 'If the first phase was categorized as no awareness, no policies, no programs, and a limited supply of product, I think we’ve officially moved into the second phase'…Now that electrification is in phase two, Bartholomy said there’s pressure on the movement to get it right, and eventually reach stage three — much broader adoption.” Full article here.

2023 RHN Legislative and Budget Agenda - The Renewable Heat Now Campaign (RHN) is organizing to win funding and policies that will move fossil fuels out of our buildings affordably and equitably. The legislative package includes the All-Electric New Building Act (S00562-A/A00920-A - Kavanaugh/Gallagher) that would sunset fossil fuels in new construction starting January 1, 2024. It also includes the NY Home Energy Equitable Transition (HEAT) Act – (S2016/A4592 – Krueger/Fahy) and the Energy Efficiency, Equity and Jobs Act (S3126c/A3996c – Parker/Hunter). In addition, RHN has also released an agenda for the NYS budget, which is currently being negotiated by the Governor and the Legislature. See more on the Renewable Heat Now Legislative Package here.

Contractors Corner:

Geothermal Manufacturers on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – NY-GEO members Climate Master, Enertech and WaterFurnace have all published resources on incentives available through the IRA.  If other there are other NY-GEO member resources our readers should know about, please be in touch at nygeoifno@gmail.com.

Waterfurnace Brochure on Commercial Incentives

Climate Master Brochure on the Commercial Federal Tax Credit

Enertech on the Residential Geo Tax Credit

Climate Master Residential Tax Credit Guide

WaterFurnace on Residential Tax Credits

NY-GEO Member Map-Here's the map we refer folks to when we get requests for services or interest in a geothermal install.

Click here or on the image above to see the live version of the map

Climate Updates:

Scientists Examine Dangerous Global Warming ‘Accelerators’ – Bob Berwyn – Inside Climate News – “Recent climate projections may be underestimating the pace of global warming … because the interaction of powerful climate feedback loops that can accelerate warming are not well-represented in key climate models … efforts to reduce emissions require even more urgency to avoid worst-case climate outcomes… The researchers examined 41 climate feedback loops and found 27 that significantly increase warming but may not be fully accounted for in climate models.” Full story here

Warning From UN Secretary General Regarding Sea Level Rise – Bob Berwyn – Inside Climate News – “Mega-cities on every continent will face serious impacts including Cairo, Lagos, Maputo, Bangkok, Dhaka, Jakarta, Mumbai, Shanghai, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, New York, Buenos Aires and Santiago… (UN Secretary Antonio) Guterres said the danger is most acute for about 900 million living in low-lying coastal zones. That’s one out of 10 people on earth, and some coastlines have already seen triple the average rate of sea level rise. Some countries could disappear forever, he added. ‘We would witness a mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale’” Full story here

Frequent Sources for Just In! briefs:

Green Energy Times

City & State First Read

POLITICO Weekly NY & NJ Energy email)

Canary Media

National Building Electrification Network & Sunstone Strategies



Just in! thanks NY-GEO board member John Ciovacco of Aztech Geothermal for his frequent proofreading contributions to this publication and Paul Maliszewski for his work on the briefs.

EVENTS:

*Indicates a New Listing or Updated Information

2023 04 26-27 – Conference Registration Is OPEN - NY-GEO’s annual conference brings together the best of the best in the geothermal heat pump industry. The conference will be hosted at the Albany Marriott and will include dynamic Main Stage presenters, educational breakout sessions, dynamic exhibitors showcasing equipment and information, along with plenty of time to mix, mingle and connect. To register and learn more, click here. 

NY-GEO 2023 Sponsors as of 02 20

2023 02 21 Building Decarbonization on the Ground: Insight from Installers – 2:00 pm ET - Zack Strauss, building decarbonization lead at Atlas Public Policy, runs a podcast called Buildings Hub Live, which spotlights changemakers and technologies moving the needle on building sector electrification. The next features Clare Doyle Dowd (BlocPower) and Maria Cecilia Quiñones Peña (Elevate Energy), whose companies focus on air source heat pumps for decarbonizing heating. Registration page here

2023 03 09 – Clean Heat Program Stakeholders Meeting – 9:00-10:00 am ET - The NYS Clean Heat Utility Joint Management Committee (JMC) will host the next quarterly meeting of the Working Group Series for Participating Contractors and Industry Partners. This series is billed as an ongoing platform for contractors and industry partners affiliated with NYS Clean Heat to discuss program improvements and address questions related to the program. Registration link here.

2023 03 09 – Renewable Heat Now Power Hour – 7:00-8:00 pm ET - Renewable Heat Now (RHN) is organizing intensively for a package of NY legislature bills designed to aid NY’s transition to clean, fossil-fuel free heating. Join RHN for its monthly strategy meeting designed to inspire and inform. Register here.



2023 03 24 - Ensuring Electricity Affordability (on the way to Decarbonization) – 9:00 am-12:30 pm ET - Convener/Moderator: Janet Gail Besser for Raab Associates, Ltd. Host: Foley Hoag LLP - The art of rate design requires attention to behavioral considerations as well as to economics. What will it take for customers to respond to time-varying rates, and how do we design rates that support the electrification of both buildings and vehicles? Presenters will speak to approaches that make rates simpler for customers to understand and provide tools for them to respond. They will also discuss how active demand can address some of the reliability, as well as affordability concerns, especially for customers with high energy burdens. There is a $50 to $100 charge for this event Register here.

Can You Find Your Picture from NY-GEO 2022? – Over 1,000 pictures from NY-GEO’s annual conference have made it to the web. See if you can find yourself among the 450 who took part in this groundbreaking event that annually celebrates and advances the most efficient and economical way to heat and cool our homes and places of work. Check out these pictures shot by Rachel Collett and John Ciovacco. Here’s Day 1 and here’s Day 2

List of Climate Tech Job Boards - Elaine Reddy – Ad Hoc Group – The Ad Hoc Group has put together a list of 27 climate tech related job boards.

Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) seeks:

- an Outreach Manager to develop outreach strategies for the newly created Central New York Clean Energy Hub, which will connect people to the clean energy economy and its benefits, including clean energy careers, improved energy affordability, home improvements, and rebates for businesses and transportation. The Outreach Manager will be managing a 4-person outreach team and coordinating all aspects of outreach to community members throughout the Central New York Region.

- four Energy Advisors for the CNY Clean Energy Hub to reach diverse communities throughout CNY with Hub materials, workshops, and energy affordability/clean energy opportunities.

- a Regulatory Attorney/Regulatory Advocate to spearhead our work in utility rate cases and regulatory proceedings in New York State advancing building electrification, ending our dependence on methane gas, increasing energy efficiency, energy affordability, and renewable energy generation, and preventing false solutions from capturing public funding.

- a Communications Director to build a public face for AGREE in our local Central New York community as well as across the state in order to support ongoing campaigns, respond to real-time developments and policy emergencies, and strategically raise AGREE’s profile and increase our constituent base.

(listed January 14, 2023) The postings are available here.



PWGC Environmental Engineers, Bohemia, NY - Geothermal Engineer – PWGC, a multi-year award-winning environmental engineering firm seeks an experienced professional engineer for closed loop geothermal projects in the downstate New York area. Expert knowledge of commercial building sciences, mechanical system design, conventional HVAC, heat pump technologies, building automation and energy modeling applications. This position requires 5-10 years related experience, bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical or chemical engineering and a PE License. Advanced knowledge of CAD 3D and 4D software and REVIT. Interested? Send your resume to hr@pwgrosser.com or apply on our website at pwgrosser.com/careers 

PUSH Policy Coordinator - People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo) seeks a Policy Coordinator to support the work of the Policy & Strategy department, with a focus on local, state, and regional climate and environmental justice policies in the areas of transportation electrification, power generation, building decarbonization, and equitable investment. (listed 2022 08 27) The posting is available here



Sustainable Westchester - Clean Energy Associate, EnergySmart Homes. (Location: Mount Kisco, NY) - The Community Energy Advisor (CEA) is a full time position at Sustainable Westchester. This position will provide assistance, direction, organization, coordination of programs that work to inform residents, multifamily building owners, and small businesses, with an emphasis in low-to-moderate income and priority communities, of the options for adopting clean energy strategies in their homes and businesses. $50k-$60k/year. (listed 2022 08 06) The posting is available here

Sustainable Westchester - Marketing, Communications and Outreach Director. (Location: Mount Kisco, NY) The Director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach will be responsible for developing and implementing Sustainable Westchester’s marketing, communication and outreach plans & strategies including public relations, digital communications, key messaging, storytelling and brand experience. $75k-$80k/year.  (listed 2022 08 06) The posting is available here

Clean Energy Associate (PAID INTERNSHIP) - Sustainable Westchester aims to educate and train the next generation of leaders in sustainability in Westchester. We hire students and recent graduates who have the skills, passion, intelligence and maturity to take on significant responsibility to help bring clean energy solutions to our residents. Throughout the duration of the position, associates may work with elected officials, municipal leaders, community members, subject matter experts, and consultants to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. We are committed to providing these valuable work opportunities to people from communities that have been underrepresented in the environmental field. (listed 2022 08 06) See Sustainable Westchester website for more.

Rewiring America – Federal Senior Policy Manager – The FSPM will own and drive critical efforts to influence federal policy initiatives. This role will manage the Federal policy team and lobbyists, lead the strategy and execution of federal policy, oversee targeted research and the drafting of key content, and provide critical perspectives in support of the multi-pronged policy strategy for Rewiring. This important work will continue and grow Rewiring America’s ability to affect federal policy, removing key barriers for electrification. (listed 2022 07 09) The posting is available here.

Rewiring America – Local Policy Director - With a clear vision, smart strategies, and significant and sustained financial support, Rewiring America is growing rapidly. As the Local Policy Manager on the Policy team you will lead on efforts to influence local policy initiatives around the country, particularly in public schools. This role will drive policy strategy, targeted research, support the drafting of policy and campaign documents, and provide input into the policy team’s public school electrification work. (listed 2022 07 09) The posting is available here.

Sierra Club Campaign Representative - Building Electrification (Location: MA/CT) - The Sierra Club seeks a strategic, collaborative, and equity-focused Campaign Representative to advance initiatives to end fossil fuel use in homes and buildings across Massachusetts and Connecticut. In this newly created position, the Campaign Representative will join a regional team that is working to address the climate crisis by moving the Northeast from dirty to clean energy… They represent Sierra Club to government officials, the media, business and community leaders, allies and other organizations, and the public. (listed 2022 07 09) The posting is available here. 

 The Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee Finger Lakes Region – Is looking to hire two staff members: 

·    The Manager of Organizational Programs will lead our efforts to educate, inspire, and support businesses and nonprofits that want to take action on climate.

·    The Program Director will be in charge of developing an exciting new program that we're not allowed to talk about until our contract with the funder is fully executed (which makes the hiring process a bit complicated). (listed 2022 05 28). The posting is available here. 

Hudson Valley Climate Leadership Coordinator-The Hudson Valley Regional Council is hiring for a full-time Climate Leadership Coordinator. The successful applicant will carry out tasks related to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Climate Leadership Support Services Program for the seven-county Mid-Hudson Region. The Regional Council is looking forward to welcoming another collaborative, passionate, and motivated member to the team!  (listed 2022 05 14) The posting is available here.

Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) – is excited to announce that our organization is growing, and we are looking to fill the key position of Research Fellow. We seek passionate, intelligent, and kind people who work well both independently and as part of a team, and who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuff done.” (listed 2022 04 09).

Acadia Center is Hiring - for an energy efficiency and building energy justice manager, a senior energy attorney and a climate and energy policy analyst (listed 2022 03 05)  Click here for more information.

“Energy Department Will Recruit 1,000 Additional Staffers For New Corps To Tackle The Climate Crisis • The DOE is starting up a Clean Energy Corps to help implement the bipartisan infrastructure law and develop clean-energy solutions to the climate crisis, the agency said. It will hire 1,000 new employees through a newly launched hiring portal.” (from 2022 01 14 Green Energy News) [CNN]

HVAC Project Manager – Aztech Geothermal, Ballston Spa, NY – Aztech Geothermal, a well-respected Geothermal Heat Pump design-build contractor, is seeking an experienced HVAC Project Manager responsible for estimating project costs, purchasing/sourcing materials & equipment, project planning including management of technicians and subcontractors. This position requires 3-5+ years' experience in Residential &/or Commercial HVAC, including AC/heat pump equipment, power and control wiring, HVAC plumbing, and sheetmetal/air distribution systems. Strong candidates must be comfortable with computers and common Microsoft programs with ability to learn industry specific analysis software. Interested? Send your resume to info@aztechgeo.com.

Mechanical Design Engineer – Geothermal Focus – CHA Consulting - CHA Consulting, Inc. is an innovative, full-service engineering consulting and construction management firm working to responsibly improve the world we live in. Currently seeking a PE mechanical engineer with experience in the design of geothermal systems to support building scale and district geothermal project development, feasibility, design and construction. CGD certification preferred. Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Northern NJ or Boston based. More here (Listed 2021 10 04)

UHAB is Hiring -UHAB (Urban Homesteading Assistance Board ) is hiring a Project Associate focusing on Energy Services, including Co-ops Go Solar, Clean Heat for Co-ops, and other energy efficiency and energy-reducing renewable technology partnerships... We also have a few other positions posted, for a part-time Affordable Housing Loan Officer, and a full-time Project Associate on the Co-op Improvement Program who’ll provide services to distressed affordable buildings. All of the job postings are viewable on our website here. I appreciate your help to get the word out within your networks!” From email from Emily Ng.

Aztech Geothermal is Hiring- Seeking an Experienced Heat Pump Technician in NY's Capital District - Aztech Geothermal is looking for an Experienced Residential HVAC Technician in the Capital Region to join our growing installation and service business based in Ballston Spa. Geothermal heat pump experience a plus. but not required; we are willing to train the right individual. Our company is based in Ballston Spa and principally serves the Capital District, Hudson Valley and Western Massachusetts. More Information

“Dandelion Energy is growing its Drilling Department and we are looking for Senior/Master Drillers to operate our new rigs and lead our on-site drilling efforts for residential geothermal projects.In this role, you will make a significant impact in redefining how residential ground heat exchangers are installed which will lay the groundwork for Dandelion’s future growth and success. The Senior Driller will be directly responsible for the production rate of geothermal boreholes, the operation, and maintenance of equipment, the safety of on-site workers, and delivering feedback to both the Operations and Engineering team on how to optimize the overall process. For more information about the Senior Driller opening please apply here: https://boards.greenhouse.io/dandelionenergy/jobs/4879245002

Not a Senior Driller? check out our other exciting opportunities on our career site: https://dandelionenergy.com/jobs”

 

Ongoing – NYSERDA is hiring! The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has ongoing recruitment opportunities. Join our email list or check this page periodically to learn about new career opportunities. All qualified individuals will be evaluated for each relevant position for which they apply. Opportunities include:

NYSERDA Career Opportunities

NY Green Bank Career Opportunities

Paid Fellowship Opportunities

Paid Internship Opportunities

To learn more about NYSERDA, please visit our social media channels.



NY-GEO is not necessarily notified when jobs are filled. If you find one of these jobs are no longer available, please let us know.