The Village of Williamsville, N.Y., board is considering a measure to install an electric car charging station for four vehicles – accomplishing one of the goals of the state’s Clean Energy Community designation.
The village, a few miles northeast of Buffalo, would apply for grants for the electric car charging station and would be responsible for 20 percent of the cost. The station would be behind the Williamsville Village Hall.
Recently, the village has taken other steps to promote clean energy. The village began monitoring energy use in municipal buildings and passed resolutions easing requirements for solar panel permits. These efforts are steps toward becoming a Clean Energy Community.
Launched in August 2016, the Clean Energy Communities is a $16 million New York State initiative to help local governments reduce energy consumption and promote clean energy use. This program is a part of the state’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy with a goal of supplying 50 percent of electricity from renewable resources by 2030.
Communities that complete four out of the 10 High Impact Actions, such as the electric car project in Village of Williamsville, can be designated as a Clean Energy Community and are eligible to apply for grants to fund additional clean energy projects.
State-funded Clean Energy Communities Coordinators are also available to help local governments to develop clean energy goals, find resources and funding for completing such projects along with providing technical assistance.
In addition to the Village of Williamsville, the nearby town of Amherst is also pursuing the Clean Energy Community designation.