About Smart Energy Choices

Smart Energy Choices is a collaboration of Cornell Cooperative Extension offices of Broome, Chemung, Delaware, Schuyler, Tioga and Tompkins counties, and serves as the NYSERDA Regional Clean Energy Hub for the Southern Tier region. Our team brings over a decade of experience in energy work, including with the Community Energy Engagement Program, Ag Energy NY, Clean Energy Communities and HeatSmart Finger Lakes South.

As your Hub, we’re here to help you be more comfortable in your home and save money on your energy bills. We serve all residents, small businesses, affordable property and nonprofits in the Southern Tier region, with a focus on underserved or otherwise limited opportunity communities.

When you contact us, you’ll be connected to one of our trained Community Energy Advisors, who can share resources on energy efficiency, clean heating and cooling, solar power, and more.

Here are some of the free services we offer:  

  • Explain programs that can help with heating bills, drafty homes, heating systems, and solar and other clean energy

  • Help learn about jobs and job training in clean energy 

  • Explain a home energy assessment and how it helps people

  • Help someone fill out an application for energy assistance programs

  • Explain the energy incentives available to a person or business

  • Direct income-eligible residents to home repair programs

  • Help learn how to make a home ready for energy improvements

  • Explain electric vehicles, charging stations, and vehicle rebates

  • Help find a contractor to make clean energy upgrades

  • Find a community solar program and help residents and businesses sign up for it

Additional information on the values our Hub holds can be found in this editorial published in 2015.