Just In! for February 18, 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.

New Jersey Turns to Electrification – “New Jersey plans to require all new cars be zero emission by 2035, says Gov. Murphy. The governor also set goals to electrify buildings, proposed rules for flood protection, and announced grants for heavy-duty electric vehicles.” Among the goals Murphy outlined: “Help 400,000 homes and 20,000 businesses install zero-carbon-emission space heating and cooling systems, such as heat pumps, while making 10% of all low-to-moderate income properties electrification-ready by 2030.” Tip from Peter Jensen at the National Building Electrification Network and Sunstone Strategies. Full article here.

And for Valentine’s Day…Have a Heart: Support a Clean and Affordable Heating Future! – “Passing the NY Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (NY HEAT), the All-Electric Building Act, and the Energy Efficiency, Equity, and Jobs Act (EEEJA) will enable us to reduce climate and air pollution from our buildings, save New Yorkers billions of dollars, and protect the respiratory health of New Yorkers. Implementing the funding included in the 2023 Renewable Heat Now Budget Proposals will ensure we have adequate funding to meet our climate goals.” From New Yorkers for Clean Power – click here to send a quick message to your legislator supporting these bills.

Downloadable here

NY-GEO Seeks Your Input on NY’s Clean Heat Program – IMPORTANT ! - The New York Department of Public Service (DPS) has released its interim review of the Clean Heat program under which New York’s utilities have been providing rebates for geothermal and air source heat pumps. DPS identified 43 questions on improving the program and NY-GEO Director of Operations JR Rath has narrowed those down to questions particularly relevant to geothermal installations. Rath has developed an easy to use form for NY-GEO member feedback on these questions. This is a key turning point and changes DPS makes as a result of feedback in this process are likely to govern NY’s heat pump programs for years to com. Please take a look at the form here and provide your input on as many of the questions you feel comfortable with. 

One of the questions from the DPS Survey

NYS Legislators Tour Geothermal Project – On Thursday February 16^th, NY-GEO held a tour of the Pierce Arrow Lofts for WNY State Legislators. The Lofts building, which formerly housed the Pierce Arrow car manufacturing operation, has been converted into a beautiful, geothermally heated and cooled multi-use complex. Congress Member Brian Higgins, a member of the House Electrification Caucus, kicked off the tour with a short talk on the Inflation Reduction Act and his support for renewable heating.  NY-GEO was excited by the strong participation of local Legislature offices and the great dialogue the tour stimulated on New York’s energy future. See below for Assembly Member Bill Conrad’s review of the event.

Con Edison Files Proposal that Includes a Price Guarantee for its Geothermal Rate – Con Edison has instituted an electric rate designed to reflect the value geothermal heat pumps bring to the electric grid and to lower electric bills accordingly. It is called the Optional Demand-Based Rate (SC 1 Rate IV),aka the Select Pricing Plan.   On Thursday, 2023 02 16, the company filed its Joint Proposal for its latest rate case and the proposal includes a provision under which ratepayers who choose SC1-IV will receive a refund if they wind up paying more under this rate than they would have under standard residential rates. This rate sets prices based on the demand customers place on the grid and rewards geo users for minimizing that demand with the efficiency geo brings. It is a time of use, time of year, demand based smart electrification rate that incentivizes customers to adopt renewable heating in a way that benefits all ratepayers. See page 56 of the Joint Proposal here for the specific language of the price guarantee. Click here for Con Edison’s Select Pricing Plan website.

The New York HEAT Act – Christopher Casey – Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) - One of the key bills being considered by the NYS Legislature is the HEAT (Home Energy Affordable Transition) Act (S2016/A4592) sponsored by Senator Liz Kreuger and Assembly Member Pat Fahy. HEAT provides a framework for protecting ratepayers as New York transitions away from fossil fuel heating. Thanks to Brynn Fuller-Becker of New Yorkers for Clean Power for pointing us to this concise analysis of the bill here.  See a way to conveniently support the HEAT Act from Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) here.

NY-GEO Member Walter Simpson Remebered – An extraordinary advocate for renewable energy and conservation, Walter has been a NY-GEO Associate Member for the last few years. He was a Sierra Club member and the person who led the University of Buffalo’s energy conservation and solar energy initiatives in the 1980’s and ‘90s. Walter was a renewable energy teacher in many contexts, and his lectures to incoming engineering students at UB are legendary. Spree magazine article on Walter here, Buffalo News obituary here, Family tribute here.

Paying More for Gas? The Role of Exports – Gas Leaks - Methane gas tripled in price last year. Europe scrambled to secure gas supply following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and repeated threats to cut off gas deliveries to the continent.  The increased demand led to much higher prices as multiple countries bid against each other for liquified gas shipments, most of which now come from the United States – officially the world’s largest gas exporter as of last year. Article and 30 second video here.

PSC Approves 62 Upstate Transmission Projects – PSC press release – “Projects Will Create Good-Paying Construction Jobs in Upstate New York… The New York State Public Service Commission today authorized the major upstate electric utilities to develop 62 local transmission upgrades designed to reduce congestion in three upstate regions as called for by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or Climate Act. Press release here.

Hydrogen Leakage and the Climate – Canary Media - Recent research has raised questions about the global-warming impact of uncombusted hydrogen.  When it leaks from storage, pipes and other infrastructure into the atmosphere, new studies suggest, hydrogen absorbs more heat than previously understood.  And, perhaps more importantly, it extends the atmospheric life of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Article and 40-minute interview here.

Gas Advertising Campaigns – Arielle Samuelson and Emily Atkin - HEATED - Gas companies say their clean energy claims are backed by science. They fail to mention the science is fossil fuel funded. Thanks to Betta Broad from New Yorkers for Clean Power for this tip. Full article here.

ReBuild Ukraine 2023 – The Danish Board of District Heating - Municipal communities of Ukraine are attending, many of them presenting their rebuilding projects that open new perspectives for cooperation between the companies supplying energy infrastructure and the Ukrainian stakeholders. Taking place in Warsaw, Poland, the exhibition and conference Rebuild Ukraine 2023 will help Ukraine with the large-scale rebuilding that is needed. District heating is an important energy infrastructure in Ukraine, and DBDH co-hosts the Danish activities at the event. Please, find further information here.

Tesla’s Supercharger Network Soon Open To All EVs – Maria Galucci – Canary Media – As part of the DOT’s $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, by the end of 2024, at least 3,500 new and existing Superchargers will be open to non-Teslas. In addition: Hertz and EV fleet charging operator bp pulse plan to develop a national network of EV fast-charging infrastructure; and Pilot Company is partnering with EVgo and GM to build a national network of 2,000 high-power fast chargers. White House initiatives will collectively add more than 100,000 public charging stations across the U.S. Full story 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:

$250M NY Rental Building Electrification Program – Community Preservation Corporation - New York State’s Climate Friendly Homes Fund (CFHF) program is now accepting applications on a rolling basis from qualified owners and operators of small multifamily rental buildings. New York State is providing $250 million through the CFHF to fund electrification retrofits in at least 10,000 units of multifamily housing that serve disadvantaged and Low-Moderate Income (LMI) communities. Press release here.

What Do Consumers Know About Electrification? - Emily Silverman Energy Circle – “Consumer awareness around electrification is growing, which means there is new business to be had by HVAC contractors.  At Energy Circle, we’ve been using Google Trends search data to figure out what consumers know about electrification and how contractors can use that information to target electrification customers and win jobs.” Full article here.

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:

Climate Flooding to be Twice as Severe? – Bob Berwyn – Inside Climate News – “Rising seas will swamp farmlands, pollute water supplies and displace millions of people much sooner than expected, scientists said last week, as they released new research that accurately calculates the vulnerability of coastal areas, especially in developing countries that have not had access to expensive coastal mapping technologies.”  Full story here.

California’s Extreme Weather is the Future of Climate Change – Rebecca Gordon – The Nation - After years of thirst, the state has been drowning, and the poorest people have been among those hardest hit. Full article 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 April 26-27 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. The intro overview details the early bird and member discounts. To learn more about sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities click here. To reserve a room at the Albany Marriott at the NY-GEO 2023 rate (which expires April 14^th) click here.

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.