Update on Upper Nyack’s Clean Energy Program

Upper Nyack’s residents and small businesses are eligible to participate in the Rockland Community Power clean energy program.  This program helps the community transition to clean energy while also protecting consumers from rising energy costs. Since November 2021, Rockland residents and small businesses in the six Rockland Community Power communities have collectively saved more than $885,000.

Keeping Your Summer Electric Bills Down

As we move through the hot summer months, your electric bills will most likely go up, as you use air conditioning or fans.

If you are purchasing your electricity through the village clean energy program,  you are protected from rate increases over the summer, since the rates are fixed.  Orange & Rockland prices are variable.  

The amount of energy you consume will most likely go up. However, the rate or price per kilowatt hour stays the same in the village program.  

Here are a few key (mostly free) ways to conserve both money and energy through the hot weather.  When you save energy, you are also reducing your carbon footprint.

1. Close windows and lower shades, blinds, and curtains on hot, sunny days. Raise shades and open windows after dark to let in cool evening air.  Close your blinds facing up to keep the room cooler.  Without window treatments covering the window during the day, your air conditioner is forced to work much harder.
2. Avoid cooking with your oven on the hot days.  Cooking with your oven will heat up your kitchen and make your air conditioner work harder.
3. Maintain your air conditioners for maximum efficiency.  Change your air filters regularly and vacuum the air intake vents to remove dust.
4. Turn up the temperature by 2 degrees.  Keep your space cool, not cold.  If you have to put a sweater on, you are wasting money and energy.
5. Turn down the thermostat while you are away.  Lower the thermostat setting when you return home.  Or install a smart thermostat that will do this for you.   The U.S. Dept. of Energy recommends setting your AC to 78° when you are home, and 85° when you're out, to cut your cooling bill by 10%.
6. Resist the impulse to set your thermostat colder than needed when you first turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and will result in wasted energy and expense.
7. Turn your water heater down to "vacation" setting when you go on vacation.
8. Add a ceiling fan.  If you use air conditioning, adding a ceiling fan will actually allow you to raise the thermostat setting on your AC by about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without changing your comfort level.

Learn more about how to save on summer energy costs at:  https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips

Your Energy Choice:  By now, each of you should have the energy option of your choice, whether it’s participation in the village program or opting out.  If you were switched over, you should see Constellation NewEnergy CCA, the supplier for the RCP program, listed on the third page of your bill.  If the option of your choice is not listed on your bill, please give us a call at 845 859-9099 option 1 or email info@RocklandCommunityPower.com. You can always join the program or opt out at any time and with no participation or exit fees.

Customer Assistance & Outreach: The helpline will continue for the life of the program, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.  You can also reach the Community Coordinator at Peggy@JouleCommunityPower.com or call 845 859-9099 option 1.