Energize North Salem Plans Ride Around The Reservoir

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Energize North Salem, whose goal is to help you find comfort while saving energy -- and therefore money -- in your home, will be sponsoring an awareness event on Sunday, October 23. The day will begin with a bike ride around the Titicus Reservoir to bring attention to the Energy Fair going on at the Ruth Keeler Library.

Energize North Salem is an initiative of the Northern Westchester Energy Action Consortium (NWEAC), a group of 14 municipalities that joined together to qualify for stimulus funding from the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE program initially designated pro rata funds for municipalities of over 35,000. By forming a coalition, Northern Westchester towns were able to qualify. The first town to inaugurate the Energize program was Bedford. North Salem will be the second.

“The Energize program helps people recognize the energy loss areas in their homes and find ways to improve them and save money,” explained Councilwoman Amy Rosmarin, who is running for re-election in November.

“Certified energy efficiency contractors give you an estimate on your requirements, repair costs and long-range savings. Energize provides an independent third party expert, who evaluates the findings and suggests which steps make the most sense," she said.

Representatives of Energize will be on hand at the library to distribute information and answer questions about energy saving and financial incentive packages. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will also be there to discuss financial issues.

The state is currently offering home energy financing at the low interest rate of 3.49% and rebates of 20% are often available. Some rebates are higher, depending upon homeowner income.

Councilwoman Rosmarin explains, “The Energize staff is there to explain all the benefits, including our free independent third party consultations. Energize are the ‘hand-holders.’ They help residents get through the NYSERDA process.”

North Salem resident Marvin Stamm asked Energize Bedford to look over his house when he first heard about the program. “The contractor made a series of recommendations. I never got the feeling he was trying to inflate the bill. But when Energize Bedford came in afterwards for a consultation, we were able to make adjustments. It brought the bill down by [about a third],” he said.

The Energy Fair will be more than informative. The day will be rounded out with food, beverages, a farmer's market and music.

Registration for the bike tour begins at the library at 8 a.m. The ride starts at 9 a.m. and the fair runs until 1 p.m.

The 3.9 mile tour will flow down Route 116 to Purdys, onto Titicus River Road, and then connect to Mills Road around the reservoir and back to the library. Roads will be temporarily closed to through traffic but will be open to residents and emergency vehicles. Roads will return to normal as soon as the ride is completed.

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