Just In! for March 4, 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.

IGSHPA Provides Training for Gas Utility – IGSHPA News - Richard Donnelly, Director of Energy Innovation and Morgan Hood, New Product Development Manager at VGS (formerly Vermont Gas) in Burlington, Vermont invited IGSHPA’s Executive Director, Jeff Hammond to provide an introduction to geothermal heating and cooling on February 21 and 22. There was a diverse group of employees including management, product development, engineering, street crew, service technicians, and human resources. The goal was to help everyone understand (including IGSHPA) how gas utilities can impact alternative and renewable heating and cooling systems. Thanks to IGSHPA News – Keeping You in the Loop -for this tip. Link to IGSHPA News, including an article on the training, here.

Richard Donnelly

Buffalo Advocates Turn Up the Heat for All-Electric Buildings – readMedia – On February 22nd, Better Buildings NY (BBNY) and Renewable Heat Now (RHN) joined PUSH Buffalo and community members for a press conference to promote the All-Electric New Buildings Act (AEBA) and New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (NY HEAT) at the site of a new all-electric multi-family unit in Buffalo.  At this event, they pushed back against claims that electrification cannot work in Buffalo, and Johannes Rosemann from Buffalo Geothermal explained the power of heat pumps for heating and cooling in the region.  Representatives from AGREE NY, Sierra Club NY, and The Sunrise Movement also shared the financial savings for families and the job creation potential of electrification. They urged legislators to pass the AEBA and NY HEAT and you can do the same by sending a virtual letter to your legislators using this link from Better Buildings NY.  Full article here.

Johannes Rosemann of Buffalo Geothermal addresses Buffalo media

Burlington VT Mayor Brings Renewable Heating to Town Meeting Day Ballot– Mayor Miro Weinberger - “we fought hard for new regulatory authority over building energy – the largest single source of carbon emission in Burlington. On Town Meeting Day 2021, more than 64% of voters approved a charter change to allow the City to use a price-based system to regulate buildings to ensure that they are designed to use renewable energy for heating. Now, we are using this new municipal authority for the first time and bringing a proposal back to voters this Town Meeting Day that requires all new construction be heated with renewable sources of energy, and that City buildings and large commercial buildings only replace heating and hot water systems with renewable technology – or else pay a reasonable fee that correctly reflects the true cost of carbon pollution. This new policy was developed in consultation with builders, affordable housing developers, and the larger institutions that will be most impacted by it.” Full message here.  

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger

1989 WaterFurnace Video – This video was used for sales pitches for geothermal systems back in the day and we’re told it was a successful tool. Our favorite – and funniest – part was when the caveman customer attempts to match the walk of the WaterFurnace salesman, although there is lots more to see – and enjoy. Thanks to Dave Hatherton for this tip. Link to video here.

RWE Acquires Con Edison Clean Energy - Renewable Energy World – “RWE AG finalized its $6.8 billion acquisition of all shares in Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses. The transaction makes the newly dubbed RWE Clean Energy one of the five largest renewable energy companies in the U.S. and the country’s second largest solar owner and operator. The acquisition included a portfolio of 8 GW of renewable energy projects and a development platform of more than 24 GW. Around 60% of the portfolio is onshore wind and 40% solar… Con Edison said it continues to invest in clean energy transmission projects, building electrification, energy efficiency, electric vehicle infrastructure, battery storage and other technologies.”  Full article here.

How Gas Costs are Causing New England’s Electricity Price Spikes, and How Electrification Will Help Protect Customers in the Future – Strategen Report done for the Sierra Club - The report also clarifies that the cost of fossil gas for electricity generation is reflected in customer electricity bills before it shows up in gas bills because there is a lag of several months before customers see the increases in fossil gas costs on their heating bills. The report highlights that the recent electricity price spikes in New England demonstrate the risks of continuing to depend on fossil gas, concluding that far from being a reason to delay electrification, the fossil gas price spikes demonstrate that moving away from fossil gas in the electric sector and in the buildings sector and transitioning to electric appliances powered by renewable energy is the most effective way to protect customers from volatile fossil gas costs in the future. Thanks to Amneh Minkara, Sierra Club, Federal Deputy Director, Building Electrification Campaign for this tip -  See report here

BlocPower Raises $155M to Speed Up its All-Electric Building Retrofits – Jeff St. John - Canary Media –“The startup partners with cities and uses software and financing to make electrification pay off for low- and moderate-income residents. BlocPower CEO Donnel Baird wants to convert buildings in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods across the country from burning fossil fuels to using lower-carbon electricity for heating. He also wants to make that conversion process a money-saving and money-making enterprise for tenants, building owners and project financiers alike… On Wednesday, (3/1) the New York City–based startup announced more than $150 million in new debt and equity financing to expand its electrification business. That’s enough money to serve between 1,000 and 5,000 buildings, or between 1,000 and 10,000 families, Baird said in a Wednesday interview. BlocPower also expects this work will require the hiring and training of about 3,000 new employees, he said." Full article here.

Donnell Baird – BlocPower CEO

 New Ways to Put Waste Heat To Work – Steve Hanley - Canary Media – “Danfoss, a Danish company, has released a white paper that advocates for capturing and reusing waste heat in homes and businesses… Danfoss criticizes the rush to import millions of gallons of LNG to Europe to offset the loss of methane gas from Russia. It says there is a better, cheaper, and more sustainable way — recapture waste heat… Waste heat can be reused through existing and well proven technologies, most notably heat pumps, which are electrically powered devices able to transport heat from one place to another.” Thanks to NY-GEO member Paul Coons for this tip. Full article here.

Gas Industry Nominee for Maryland PSC Withdraws – Josh Kurts – Maryland Matters – “Juan Alvarado, the gas industry official that Gov. Wes Moore (D) picked last week to serve on the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), has withdrawn his nomination. In a statement released Tuesday morning by Moore’s office, Alvarado said he was withdrawing for ‘personal reasons.’ But Alvarado’s nomination was controversial from the start — largely due to his association with the natural gas industry at a time when state leaders are trying to move policy away from fossil fuels.” Article link here.

U.S. Climate Law To Create Thousands Of Jobs In Every State – Maria Galucci – Canary Media – According to think tank RMI, each U.S. state could gain between 2,000 and 140,000 clean energy jobs by 2030 thanks to investments spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act. States with strong potential for generating renewable energy, such as Texas and California, and states with strong industrial bases, such as Michigan and Ohio, will see the largest gains. 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:

Hurry Up and Wait – Managing Long-Term Inflation Reduction Act Rollouts - Webinar from Energy Circle - As the Inflation Reduction Act's rebates and rollouts continue to move forward—sometimes slowly—in real time, there may be frustration thanks to the variable timelines of the Act's deadlines and various provisions.  Communicating these nuances may prove challenging when it comes to homeowner expectations. 35 Minute webinar here.

Fact Sheets on the Investment Tax Credits – Clean Energy Group (CEG) - While these fact sheets are focused on solar and battery storage, the ITC applies in the same way to geothermal projects with the exception of the low income and tribal land bonus credits, which are not available to geothermal projects.. “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) updated and expanded the Investment Tax Credit (ITC)… The ITC, which was previously set at a 26% credit for 2023 and a 10% credit for every year after that, was updated and raised to cover 30% of eligible installation costs through 2032. This change significantly increases the anticipated savings for solar projects and will help create stability in the market over the next decade.” Start here with CEG’s blog post – individual fact sheets 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:

Environmental Groups Oppose NY - NJ Storm Surge Protection Plan – Nathan Kensinger – Gothamist – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has presented a $52 billion proposal to protect New York City with storm surge gates and coastal barriers. Some environmental groups are opposed to the proposal because of a narrow focus on storm surges, a failure to address sea level rise, environmental impacts, and impacts on environmental justice communities. Full story here.

Al Gore Talks Climate Progress, Setbacks and the First Rule of Holes: Stop Digging – Dan Gearino - Inside Climate News – “The former vice president wants to train Americans to make the most of the Inflation Reduction Act. He also talks about what he was thinking during that rip-roaring Davos speech.” Interview and link to the Davos Speech here.

Hurricane Ida Still Impacting New Yorkers – Gwynne Hogan - Gothamist - Roughly 70 households – first displaced from their homes by Hurricane Ida's remnants in 2021 – were forced to move again yesterday, leaving the Downtown Manhattan hotel where they had been staying for the past several months, (from 2023 03 01 – City & State First Read) 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 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 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 21 - K-12 HVAC Choices for Student Health and Learning – 2:00-3:00 pm ET - This “webinar follows the launch of our new report explaining how adopting all-electric, high-performance HVAC systems in new and existing schools supports student health, comfort, and learning while lowering energy costs, and minimizing climate pollution. You’ll hear from five expert speakers from RMI, UndauntedK12, CMTA, Perkins&Will, and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice.”  Register here. Report 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.