County expands Business Energy Advisors program

Tompkins County recently announced an expansion of its Business Energy Advisors (BEA) program, introducing specialized energy consulting services for nonprofit organizations. This new initiative adds to the BEA program’s existing suite of services, offering additional, dedicated support to help nonprofits in existing buildings plan cost-effective energy upgrades, reduce operating costs, and access valuable financial incentives.

The BEA program has long been a resource for commercial businesses, municipalities, manufacturing facilities, and multifamily properties, guiding energy planning for new construction and major renovations. Now, with this new expansion, nonprofits in Tompkins County can access customized consulting services designed specifically to meet their unique needs and resource constraints—while the BEA program continues to serve all other sectors as before. To learn more about the program, visit: https://tcgov.co/bea

The nonprofit-focused services include two flexible consulting options. The first option is an Enhanced BEA – Energy System Design, a full-service offering that includes technical specifications, contractor bid guidance, and an informed list of energy incentives. This program is ideal for nonprofits planning a major renovation and/or heating system upgrade. The second option is a Heating System Bid Review, a streamlined review of contractor proposals with expert feedback on energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and best-fit systems.

“These new services ensure that nonprofits, often operating with limited resources, can make informed decisions that lower energy costs while supporting their mission,” said Hailley Delisle, Sustainability Coordinator, Tompkins County. “We’re proud to help these vital community organizations become more sustainable.”

Participating nonprofits will benefit from free support from trusted energy consultants, help identifying grants, rebates, and incentives, and customized energy system design recommendations. Nonprofit organizations located in Tompkins County with existing buildings are eligible to participate in these new offerings. Meanwhile, the broader BEA program remains fully available to commercial businesses, multifamily properties, manufacturing facilities, and municipalities considering energy-related construction or renovation. Program participants will benefit from personalized energy goal setting, technical feasibility studies, and comprehensive energy options reports.

To learn more or schedule your free kick-off meeting, contact Tompkins County Business Energy Advisors at https://tcgov.co/bea, via email at hdelisle@tompkins-co.org, or phone at 607-274-5560.