SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Geothermal heat pump (GHP) stakeholders have announced a new trade association to help increase market penetration and sales in New York state — the New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO).
“Our intent is to play an active role in quality assurance for the industry while raising the profile of GHPs among consumers through fresh, new marketing efforts,” said John Franceschina, NY-GEO president and PSEG Long Island manager of residential efficiency programs. NY-GEO is a New York not-for-profit corporation, with 67 founding members. According to Franceschina, the association’s goals are to:
• Provide its members with marketing tools to better convey the benefits of GHPs to potential customers, policy makers, and the public;
• Develop standards and quality control that will advance the reputation of the technology; and
• Advocate for policy and legislation that support the adoption of GHPs in New York as part of the state’s transition to clean energy.
Bill Nowak is executive director of the new organization. Among others, NY-GEO’s initiatives include:
• Working with the New York State Public Service Commission on its Clean Energy Fund and Reforming the Energy Vision proceedings;
• Seeking out GHP “champions” in the state legislative arena;
• Commenting on the New York State Draft Energy Plan;
• Implementing Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs for GHP financing;
• Ensuring that GHPs are on the governor’s energy agenda; and
• Building a relationship with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Representing the national interests of the industry, Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) President and CEO Doug Dougherty lauded the new association. “We are excited about the formation of NY-GEO and the advocacy of its members,” he said, pledging technical and financial support. “It is only with grassroots efforts of state-based associations like yours that the industry across the United States can thrive and grow, and New York state is paramount to the cause.”
For more information on NY-GEO, visit http://ny-geo.org.
Publication date: 8/25/2014
Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!
