Energy Program Could Come Soon to Mount Kisco

Mount Kisco is one of two communities that are part of the Northern Westchester Energy Action Consortium (NWEAC) that could see an expanion of local energy efficiency programs, such as the current nearby Energize Bedford.

Tom Bregman, Director for Energize Bedford, didn't reveal which communities, but did say that Lewisboro and Mount Kisco were under consideration.

"But it's important to know that any resident in any of the NWEAC town can use our services now for assessments and updgrades," said Bregman. As NWEAC towns roll out their own energy programs, Energize Bedford will provide core customer support, Bregman added.

Coming up, Bedford's team, , is planning on opening a second operations office on Lexington Avenue in Mount Kisco, in space donated by Jim Diamond of Mount Kisco-based Diamond Properties. Bregman said the new space would accommodate the new staff but they planned to maintain an office at 425 Cherry St. in Bedford.

Bregman told Patch about the plans in connection with a story on A-HOME being awarded a $1,000 check for its participation in a contest challenging community groups to work together to help reduce Bedford's greenhouse gas emissions.

For hosting a community information workshop on energy assessments and upgrades, then completing energy upgrades at eight of the properties it owns, A-Home was the first to win cash through the "Quick Start" phase of the , sponsored by , the town’s home energy assessment and upgrade program. 

More cash prizes await community groups who want to get involved, said Bregman. Prizes will be awarded via a point system that assigns values to various projects that get the word out and results in participation in the energy pilot program.

“This is very exciting for us,” said A-HOME Executive Director Joan Arnold, when the check was presented to her earlier this week. “Energy is one of our biggest line items and the only way we can continue to offer quality services to our residents is by getting it under control. The Energize Bedford program helped us along the way,and made our efforts easy and affordable.”

Bedford Supervisor Lee Roberts also attended the ceremony, along with Ellen Conrad and Mary Beth Kass, co-presidents of Bedford 2020, the volunteer drive to reduce Bedford’s greenhouse gas emissions 20 by 2020. A-HOME was one of eight community organizations vying for the prize; the Katonah Village Library and Katonah Village Improvement Society were a close second.