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Just In! for August 24, 2024
The weekly newsletter of the New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO)
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Just In! is NY-GEO's weekly news feed for members. See more information on memberships here. If we send you a complimentary 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. For past issues, check out the Just In! Archive available on the NY-GEO.org website. | |
For Details on the Upcoming October NY-GEO Conference in Brooklyn see 2024 10 21 in the Green Events Section Below or Go Directly to the NY-GEO Website. Please note - the conference early bird special registration discount ends Friday, August 30th. | |
Albany County Public Works Building is Solar and Geo – Alexander Babbie -WAMC Northeast Public Radio – “Albany County is celebrating a new state-of-the-art public works garage. The 15,000-square foot Coeymans Subdivision Garage will house equipment serving the rural communities of southern Albany County…Speaking at an unveiling ceremony Friday, Democratic County Executive Dan McCoy… says the new garage will function ‘off-the-grid.’ Solar panels and geothermal heating equipment are some of the energy upgrades at the new garage…On a tour of the building's electrical room, (DPW Deputy Commissioner Scott) Duncan points out state-of-the-art heating equipment. Two geothermal heat pumps are designed to keep the building warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. ‘There's 20 geothermal wells that're drilled out back. They're just over 400 feet deep’… Duncan said.” Thanks to NY-GEO member Joanne Coons for this tip. Link. | |
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Governor Hochul Announces Pilot to Reduce Energy Burden for Low-Income Households that Fully Electrify Their Homes – NY Public Service Commission Press Release – “Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the implementation of the Energy Affordability Guarantee pilot program. The PSC’s decision provides a plan for the design and implementation of an energy affordability pilot program for low-income households who fully electrify their space and water heating through the EmPower+ program. This pilot program will provide approximately 1,000 EmPower+ program participants with tailored bill assistance to ensure they pay no more than six percent of their annual household income toward electricity costs.” In its order the Commission stated that it “supports AGREE’s (Alliance for a Green Economy’s) position and sees no reason that a low-income customer that has their space and or water heating provided by ground-source heat pumps should be excluded through the Pilot, as long as they meet the other requirements of the Pilot, including first going through EmPower Plus.” Press release link. 54-page Commission Order (item 885, dated August 15, 2024) link.
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National statistics from the Energy Information Agency
$5 Billion in Gas Infrastructure Expenses Are Part of NGrid Rate Increase - Mariana Simoes – City Limits – “The rate increase, National Grid argues, is necessary for maintaining service as safe and reliable for customers. But environmentalists question adding gas hookups and revamping the system when New York is supposed to be phasing out polluting fossil fuels, as mandated by the state’s landmark climate law.” Link.
|  | Green Careers Are on the Rise in New York – NYSERDA website – “Finding a job that helps the planet isn’t just rewarding – it’s also a prudent pathway for a long-term and lucrative career. More than 36,000 workers were employed in efficient HVAC and clean heating and cooling in New York in 2022… Clean heating and cooling careers can offer free training and paid apprenticeships for new professionals. Many positions are hands-on, such as HVAC installers and geothermal technicians responsible for servicing, repairing, and installing equipment. There are also more specialized roles (e.g., geothermal driller) for workers to further their career with in-demand skills and experience." Link to this article and a 2-minute video with Jenny. |  | |
Jennitsia (Jenny) Rodriguez – “After realizing healthcare wasn’t the best fit for me, I transitioned to law enforcement. I spent about a year and a half in law enforcement before deciding that it also wasn’t the best fit for me… Since starting in the HVAC industry, I’ve gotten to do heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical work—I really enjoy working hands-on to build and fix things.”
NYSERDA CEO Stresses Need for Climate Progress – Jack Arpey – Spectrum News State of Progress – “Doreen Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, told Spectrum News 1 on Monday the state is focused on meeting the green energy requirements under the 2019 Climate Act…'If 2030 becomes 2032 or 2031, that’s less important than the fact that we have a goal of the magnitude commensurate with the objectives of the state, which is to get after this clean energy deployment’… Harris’ comments come… one month after (Governor Hochul) acknowledged that New York’s climate goals are becoming increasingly costly to implement in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors… Liz Moran, New York policy advocate for Earth Justice argued the state needs to double down further… 'These are not arbitrary goals,’ she said. ‘The governor needs to be doing everything in her power to make sure we are meeting our climate law mandates.’ ” Link.
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NYSERDA President & CEO Doreen Harris, 2nd from right - at the July 18th opening of PUSH Buffalo’s Sustainable Workforce Training Center
20% Hydrogen Blend with NGas May Increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Michael Scholand – M2S2 Energy - Debunking the Hydrogen Hype - Why Europe should pursue electrification instead of Hydrogen for cooking and heating – “Adding 20% hydrogen to gas will only lower CO2 emissions by 7% because of the lower energy density of hydrogen. Furthermore, we calculated that the 7% savings would be wiped out if less than one percent of the blended gas leaks. Gas leaks measured in over 50 kitchens in California exceeded that rate, and our testing found when you add hydrogen to gas, leaks increase.” Page 4 at this link.
Rolling Stone Covers Climate Superfund Activity – Charisma Madarang - Rolling Stone – “Across the United States this week, the climate disasters fueled by Big Oil will be displayed on billboards in California, New York, Arizona, and Philadelphia. The bold campaign, launched by non-profit organization Fossil Free Media, calls out the decades of misinformation spread by oil and gas companies as they sowed doubt about the environmental dangers of burning fossil fuels while greenwashing their public image… In May, Vermont lawmakers passed a trailblazing state law, the Climate Superfund Act, that will require oil and gas companies to pay for the costs of climate change. Residents in New York have demanded Gov. Kathy Hochul sign similar legislation, while California has weighed a similar policy.” Link.
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Virginia to Maine – One Man’s tale of 531 Miles in an Electric Car – Jim Kapsis – the Gist - “In late July, I took a road trip with my family in our new silver Rivian RS1 from Virginia to Maine to test out the Tesla Supercharger network, newly opened to Rivian drivers. In this month’s Gist, I share the tale and what it means for the EV market.” Link.
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NY-GEO Conference Presentation: | |
For Details on the Upcoming October NY-GEO Conference in Brooklyn see 2024 10 21 in the Green Events Section Below or Go Directly to the NY-GEO Website | |
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Hybrid System Design Considerations: Finding the Right Balance
**Presented on April 9th at NY-GEO 2024 in Albany, NY**
The decarbonization and energy transition requires a cost efficient and pragmatic approach to balance renewable energy integration and low carbon energy system infrastructure development. This presentation shares holistic planning and design aspects that consider heat sources, managing baseload and peak thermal demands, renewable energy intermittency, sector coupling, hybrid technologies, electrical capacity, and thermal storage. Case studies from Europe and the US emphasize cost efficient, flexible, and resilient energy infrastructure systems that achieve significant energy and carbon reductions.
Presenters:
• Robert M. Neimeier, P.E., Ramboll Engineering
• Joseph DiSanto, P.E., Ramboll Engineering
Presentation Deck
Recording
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Joe DiSanto and Rob Neimer, both with Ramboll, speak on Geothermal Hybrid System Design @ NY-GEO 2024 Spring Conference
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NY-GEO 2024 Spring Conference - Albany Recordings Available
Access the conference recordings now to stay at the forefront of geothermal advances and drive sustainable change here.
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34-page Geothermal Plastic Piping Technical Note is Published – “The revised PPI TN-55 is a result of Project BC-2023-15 chaired by David Schnase (Centennial Plastics) with TG members Jean-François Lavoie, Mike Whitehouse, Nate Koppi, Alain Roy, and Jeff Hammond. The purpose of the PPI technical note is to provide information regarding the types of plastic piping materials used in ground-source heating and cooling applications, including various types of designs and installations, as well as information on appurtenances such as headers and manifold.” Link.
Drilling Equipment Liquidation Sale - “After 47 years as the premier contract drilling company in California, Golden State Drilling has decided to liquidate their operation. Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase quality well-maintained equipment from a highly respected contractor! This 3-day auction features CHALLENGER 360 & 320, WALKER-NEER Apache 250-40 and MD COWAN MD525 drilling rigs. Plus large volume of related drilling components, UNUSED drill pipe & drill collars, winch & service trucks, forklifts, pickups & shop equipment!... September 17/18/19 | Bakersfield, CA. Bid in person or bid online at Proxibid.com." Link.
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"We know from a recent study that every tenth of a degree in temperature rise that we prevent keeps 140 million of our brothers and sisters in habitable zones on this planet. And nothing has changed my basic conviction about the key: we need to keep building huge movements to finally break the political power of the fossil fuel industry and force the emergency conversion to clean energy." —Bill McKibben | |
Climate Crisis Threatens Medical Blood Supply in US – Anna Betts – The Guardian “As summers in the US get progressively hotter, blood drives across the country to persuade people to donate are facing challenges. In the month of July alone, when more than 130 million Americans were under heat advisory warnings, the American Red Cross said that turnout at almost 100 of its blood drives was affected by the weather. Record heat in July and other extreme weather combined with typical seasonal obstacles, such as summer leisure travel, drove a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations across the country, the organization said. Its national blood inventory plummeted more than 25%, while hospital demand for lifesaving blood products has remained constant.” Link.
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This Country Voted to Keep Oil in the Ground - Katie Surma – Inside Climate News – “More than 10 million Ecuadorians voted last year to ban oil operations in part of the Amazon rainforest. But heavy crude has continued to flow from the region, which is home to uncontacted Indigenous families. (More recently though,) the Ecuadorian government announced plans to cap and close 246 oil wells in the Ishpingo, Tambococha and Tiputini (ITT) fields beginning on August 30, 2024. That phase-out process will last until December 31, 2029. The government expects that removing other infrastructure, such as well pads, and remediating environmental damage will last through August 31, 2032.” Link.
| This Week's Work of Art: | 2-Minute Video on the 2023/24 Campaign to Pass the NY HEAT Act – Put together by Kim Fraczek, Director of Sane Energy Project, this rapid flash of images conveys the grassroots energy behind the push for the NY HEAT Act. Link. | |
NY HEAT advocates liven up the halls at the State Capitol
| Jessica Azulay – Program Director of the Aliance for a Green Economy, Assembly Member Patricia Fahy, lead Assembly sponsor of the NY HEAT Act, and Conor Bambrick, Director of Policy, Envionmental Advocates of NY | |
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 weekly proofreading contributions to this publication and Paul Maliszewski for his work on the briefs.
EVENTS:
*Indicates a New Listing or Updated Information
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2024 08 28 – Managing Pressure and Air in Ground Source Heat Pump Systems – 3:00 pm ET - California GEO – In our next feature for THE UNDERGROUND “Kurt Eckroth of California Hydronics Corp will be our presenter, and will discuss initial purging of air in a new system, air separation methods, effects of pressure and temperature with respect to air separation, air separator location, pressure reducing valves and their setting. Registration for this event requires a $10 fee from non-CaliforniaGeo members.” Register here.
*2024 08 30 – Utility Regulation & Energy Legislation in Connecticut – Switchbox Summer Discussion Series - 1:00 pm ET – “… in Connecticut…new PUC Chairman Marissa Gillet has been shaking up utility regulation. And that’s not all that’s happening climate-wise in CT. Join us for a conversation with Acadia Center’s Jayson Velazquez and Oliver Tully, who will bring us up to speed on everything climate in the Nutmeg State, with a particular focus on equity.” Register here.
*2024 09 03 – NY's Utility Thermal Energy Network Pilots – Switchbox Summer Discussion Series - 1:00 pm ET – “Utility Thermal Energy Networks (are) Utility built and maintained neighborhood-scale clean heating and cooling systems that connect buildings through a shared network of water pipes that transfer heat in and out of buildings, decarbonizing space heating & cooling and hot water and leveraging waste heat… While utilities developing them may be new, this isn't a pipe dream: the nation’s first system was recently turned on in Massachusetts, and utilities across the border in New York are advancing 9 pilot projects, with more proposed. Join us for a chat with Allison Considine from the Building Decarbonization Coalition, who will explain what UTENs are, what they’re good for, and walk us through the plans for some of New York’s forthcoming pilots.” Register here.
2024 09 05 to 06 – Accredited Installer Training with ClimateMaster & NY Geothermal Supply – “Get your Accredited Installer certification with one of ClimateMaster’s certified IGSHPA trainers! To be the geothermal expert and be able to offer NYS Clean Heat incentives to your customers, you must have this certification. This is a 2 Day training held at Courtyard by Marriott - Middletown NY”. Class size is limited. Register here.
*2024 09 05 – On-Bill Financing - Rewiring America - Join us to hear EDF Climate Corps Fellow Stacey Jewell present her findings on utility tariffs on-bill financing, also known as Inclusive Utility Investment, as a tool to help electrify more homes. Stacey will cover why tariffed on-bill financing outperforms some other financing options, dive into case studies of where it is already being used, and conclude with recommendations for how advocates could help spread this practice to additional states and utilities to give customers more options for affordable electrification. Link.
*2024 09 06 – Inside MA's Campaign for All-Electric Buildings – Switchbox Summer Discussion Series - 1:00 pm ET – “Advocates are fighting to make Massachusetts the second state (after New York) to require all-electric new construction. But the road to all-electric is unusually tough in MA: unlike in other blue states, cities are not allowed to pursue all-electric mandates without getting approval from the state legislature. Undaunted, a grassroots campaign led by ZeroCarbonMA has steadily chipped away at the problem, while getting buy-in from dozens of cities across the state. Join ZeroCarbonMA Director (and real-life architect!) Lisa Cunningham for a rundown of what it will take to win in MA.” Register here.
2024 09 10 – Climate Ready Buildings Training – 9:00 am to Noon ET – NY Housing & Community Renewal (HCR) and NYC Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) “Our expert instructors will teach you how to design and construct high-performance multifamily buildings that are resilient against the increasing pressure of climate change and align with NYC and NYS climate goals. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the climate crisis and subsequent NY policies impact the building industry and develop insight into design and construction strategies, such as Integrative Design Process (IDP). In addition, participants will have the opportunity to learn more in depth about either NYS Homes & Community Renewal (HCR) or NYC Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) funding opportunities and have access to a live Q&A. For a limited time, this $60 course is available for free”. Register here.
2024 09 11 – IGSHPA Town Hall with Jeff Hammond – 11:30 am ET – “This will be a good time to learn about IGSHPA’s major projects, upcoming events, and a little bit of history since the organization became an independent non-profit in 2020, as well as have plenty of time to ask questions about the organization, the future, and to provide feedback on IGSHPA’s progress.” Register here.
2024 09 11 – Climate Friendly Homes Fund: Lessons Learned – 2:00 pm ET – “Administered by the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) and managed by New York State’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), CFHF is providing grants to existing, 5-50-unit buildings in New York State with a focus on replacing older and less energy-efficient systems with all-electric, high-performance heating, cooling, and hot water heating systems. As one of the first programs navigating this work, the CFHF team has learned valuable lessons around electrification feasibility, effective project screening, and the benefits of approaches for certain building typologies. This webinar will highlight milestones and obstacles and how the CFHF team has adapted to accommodate different challenges with data from the program, anecdotal evidence, and detailed case studies on committed and closed projects.” Register here.
2024 09 12 – 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. Register here.
*2024 09 17 to 20 - In-Person Accredited Installer Training with WaterFurnace - Ft. Wayne IN. - "Get your Accredited Installer certification with one of WaterFurnace’s Certified IGSHPA Trainers! Class Held at WaterFurnace International Training Classroom: 9000 Conservation Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46809 Cost Varies depending on materials. Please note that class size is limited. Once the roster is full, registrants will be placed on waitlist. This course uses the NATE online test, proctored by the IGSHPA instructor at the end of the course. A WiFi device is required. A laptop, tablet, or smartphone will be used for the test." Register here.
*2024 09 19 – Applications of Geothermal Heat Pumps - 9:45 am – 5:30 pm ET - Join the US Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) Program Manager Alexis McKittrick and other geothermal experts at this virtual EUCI-hosted event as they discuss the science behind, and benefits of, geothermal heat pumps. $895 charge and CEUs are available. Speakers include NY-GEO members David Hatherton, Jay Egg and Brian Urlaub. Register here.
2024 10 01 to 12 03 – 10-Week Hybrid Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD) Course Online with Ed Lohrenz - Tuesday lunchtime for 10 weeks, 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET – “Live, online & interactive. Videos of each session are recorded and will be available to you on a Google Drive folder to view at your convenience. The instructor is available by phone, email of video call if you have questions or require any clarification for the duration of the course. You will also have access to the geothermal feasibility assessment tool (ProFease) at www.geofease.com for the duration of the course.” Register here.
2024 10 09 & 10 – 4th Annual LIUNA Builds Renewables Summit – Laborers International Union of North America – Turning Stone Casino – NY-GEO member NYS Laborers Organizing Fund (NYSLOF) is an organizer of this event. “Join industry leaders, developers, contractors, state officials, and community advocates to discuss how to build renewable energy responsibly across New York State.” Register here.
2024 10 16 to 18 - IGSHPA Accredited Installer (AI) Course - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET each day - Get accredited on your way to the NY GEO conference in Brooklyn. Held at the Energy Catalyst Training Facility in Troy, NY, this 3-day course will allow attendees to take a test to become an IGSHPA certified contractor. This certification is required to be a participant in the NYS Clean Heat Program and is recognized by most rebate agencies, including Mass Save and Efficiency Vermont. This Accredited Installer training will be provided by NY-GEO member and IGSHPA Certified Trainer Jacquie Scherer. HDPE pipe fusion training is included. Register through the IGSHPA events page.
2024 10 21 to 23 – NY-GEO 2024 – Fall Conference – Brooklyn – NY-GEO is hosting a three day event in Brooklyn, with day of optional pre-conference site tours and followed by our formal two-day conference at the New York Brooklyn Bridge Marriott. The conference will be a four track format with 40 educational sessions, the NY-GEO Annual Dinner and over 50 exhibitors. This is NY-GEO's first conference Downstate with special emphasize on how to address densely populated areas and large commercial buildings. To register for our NYC event and learn more about becoming a sponsor and or exhibitor. click here.
NY-GEO NYC Featured Keynotes:
Tuesday, Oct. 22nd - Morning Plenary:
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Doreen Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA
Tuesday, Oct. 22nd - NY-GEO Annual Dinner:
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Sadie McKeown, President, Community Preservation Corporation
Wednesday, Oct. 23rd Morning Plenary + Developer Panel Moderator:
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Matthew Ketschke, President, Con Edison of New York
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This event goes beyond the ordinary by offering attendees the unique opportunity to visit geothermal sites in NYC on October 21, providing firsthand experience and insights. Networking opportunities and access to top industry experts, this gathering is a must for professionals, policymakers, businesses, and building owners dedicated to decarbonizing New York State. Immerse yourself in the world of geothermal technology and join us in Brooklyn October 21-23. Learn more and register
Top Job 2024 Competition @ NY-GEO Conference in Brooklyn, NY
The Top Job Competition presented by GeoStar has been an integral part of the NY-GEO annual conference since its inception in 2015. Its objective is to highlight and recognize the incredible skill, talent, and creative imagination that exists in geothermal system designers and installers. We are thrilled to announce that in 2024 we will be recognizing and awarding three winners, one each, in the categories of:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Drilling
Why Apply? Top Jobs provides an opportunity for us to learn about the latest advancements in geothermal technology. How it is being implemented in a wide range of building types and applications and showcasing the benefits of geothermal systems, from their energy efficiency and cost-savings to their positive impact on the environment. Top Jobs projects allows the geothermal industry to communicate to those outside the industry including policymakers the variety of ways this technology can be applied, especially in situations where daunting challenges seem impossible to overcome and yet they are.
Please share your Top Jobs project that will inspires, motivates and explores the possibilities of geothermal energy. Learn more and submit.
NY-GEO Members can attend the conference at a discounted rate, so now is a good time to renew your membership through 2024. To receive the discounted member rates, employees of your organization must be populated in the member database. Reach out to NY-GEO Executive Director Christine Hoffer at christine@ny-geo.org for assistance.
NY-GEO 2024 Spring Conference - Albany Recordings Available
Access the conference recordings now to stay at the forefront of geothermal advance and drive sustainable change here.
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The NY-GEO 2024 Spring Conference Pictures Are Out!!! | |
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*2024 10 29 to 31 - In-Person Accredited Installer Training with WaterFurnace - Valhalla, NY - "Get your Accredited Installer certification with one of WaterFurnace’s Certified IGSHPA Trainers! Class Held at 65 Grasslands Road - Building A, Rooms A101 & A105 - Valhalla, NY 10595 Cost Varies depending on materials. Please note that class size is limited. Once the roster is full, registrants will be placed on waitlist. This course uses the NATE online test, proctored by the IGSHPA instructor at the end of the course. A WiFi device is required. A laptop, tablet, or smartphone will be used for the test." Register here.
2025 03 11 to 13 – 2025 IGSHPA Annual Conference – Breaking New Ground– From the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA): “Join us in Champaign, IL next March for our 2025 Annual Conference in collaboration with the Geothermal Alliance Of Illinois! Don't miss out on early bird pricing, and as always, if you are a GAOI or IGSHPA member you get to register at a discount!” Conference website here.
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Job Postings – Please add any job openings you may have to our NY-GEO Job Listings to gain visibility and help recruit new employees to your organization. This feature is available to all NY-GEO members, simply log into your account, select the NY-GEO Job Listings in the left toolbar, select Add in the upper right, and complete the form. If you need assistance, let us know at christine@ny-geo.org.
The Building Performance Contractors Association (BPCA) Career Center is here.
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Ongoing – NYSERDA is hiring! The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has ongoing recruitment opportunities. All qualified individuals will be evaluated for each relevant position for which they apply. Check this page periodically to learn about new career opportunities. | |
Become a NY-GEO Member - NY-GEO is the driving force in the mass adoption of Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps for residential, commercial, and utility-scale heating and cooling in New York State. NY-GEO's mission is to grow the geothermal heat pump industry and develop its workforce while educating policymakers building/property developers and residents about the benefits of geothermal heat pumps.
We are a member-funded, non-profit trade organization and we depend on YOUR SUPPORT to expand the use of clean, renewable, geothermal heating and cooling systems for the benefit
of all.
Learn more about the benefits of becoming a NY-GEO member and why your membership is important to advancing GHP, Click here.
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