Clean Energy Communities (CEC)

Contact: Jami Makaehu, CEC Program Coordinator
716-945-5301 Ext. 2207 / [email protected]

Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board (STW) is driving regional progress through the Clean Energy Communities NYS program, empowering local governments in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties with strategic clean energy actions, grant funding, and technical support.

​STW provides hands-on coordinator support, helping municipal officials understand funding opportunities, complete program milestones, and access free technical assistance. Collaboration with NYSERDA and Cornell Cooperative Extension ensures that municipalities receive up-to-date resources for solar projects, battery storage initiatives, and energy-efficient upgrades—enabling communities to navigate emerging technologies and maximize federal incentives still available under the Inflation Reduction Act in 2025.

Power Moves & Updates

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Regional Achievements

• Seven municipalities in the Southern Tier West region received match-free grants, totaling $95,000 in the last year alone.​
• Recognition through the program enables eligible communities to invest in clean energy priorities—fostering economic growth, improving environmental quality, and delivering long-term cost savings.​
• STW municipalities have completed clean energy actions like LED streetlight upgrades, establishing community gardens, implementing recycling and composting programs, urban forestry (Tree City USA designation), advancing transportation infrastructure (Complete Streets), and launching source water protection strategies.​

Impact Across Counties

• Chautauqua County: The City of Dunkirk secured $45,000 to advance energy efficiency and renewable initiatives.​
• Cattaraugus County: Towns such as Humphrey and Randolph received grants to develop tailored clean energy projects.​
• Allegany County: Local governments like Busti and Harmony benefited from funding to support solar panels, heat pumps, and the transition to LED lighting.​
• The Village of Portville completed a Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plan, preparing for future weather events while enhancing community sustainability and resilience.