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Energize Mount Kisco To Launch During Sales Days

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. — When the energy efficiency initiative Energize Mount Kisco launches at the Sidewalk Sales Days this Saturday and Sunday, it will have the full support of the Village Board of Trustees.

At its meeting Tuesday, the board authorized the village to take part in Energize NY, a program sponsored by government grants that guides residents through the multistep — and often confusing — process of improving energy efficiency in their homes.

The unanimous vote came after a presentation by Energize NY program Director Tom Bregman, who said the program helps residents by removing barriers to taking smart steps to establish energy efficiency.

"More than 40 percent of all the energy used in Mount Kisco is in the homes," a percentage that holds true in residential areas with no large industrial base, said Bregman. So instead of commercial buildings, Energize NY focuses on improving energy efficiency in private homes, through airsealing, insulation and improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning, he said.

After a free home energy assessment, Energize Mount Kisco sends an energy coach to help homeowners create a customized plan to make energy improvements with low cost financing, then helps them hire a state certified energy efficiency contractor vetted by the program.

The organization, funded through grants from the Department of Energy and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, has projected that Mount Kisco homeowners will save $1.2 million annually if one in three people in the village make upgrades, Bregman said.

"When you make your home energy efficient, you save money," he said.

Energize NY has been working with the village's Energy Advisory Panel and Village Manager Jim Palmer to roll out the program, said Heather Flournoy, Energize NY's community outreach director.

Fourteen municipalities make up by the Northern Westchester Energy Action Consortium, which sponsors the program, and half have launched similar programs, including Bedford, Somers, Cortlandt and Ossining, said Bregman.

"It's something that the residents can avail themselves of, and it's something the village board will be supporting," said Mayor Michael Cindrich.

Those interested in signing up for a free energy assessment can visit the Energize Mount Kisco website or sign up in person at the Energize Mount Kisco information table during Sidewalk Sales Days.

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