10/16/2026
Resource Alert! 🍂🍁
We love the beautiful fall colors of the Finger Lakes, but it's hard to enjoy them when you are stressed out about your heating bill.
That's why TC ERN is sharing this amazing resource available right here in Tompkins County!
Thanks to partners like Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County and Smart Energy Choices there are two connected programs available to assist with both workforce development and home energy savings.
Here's how the two programs work:
🛠️ Energy Warriors focuses on hands-on workforce development—training local individuals for careers in essential fields like weatherization, HVAC, and equipment installation (with pathways to specialized training like heat pumps through programs like BOCES).
🌟 Smart Energy Choices (SEC) brings those efficiency solutions right to local households! Funded by NYSERDA, SEC provides FREE energy advising for both homeowners and renters across Tompkins County. A Community Energy Advisor can guide you through:
• Grant-funded insulation & weatherization programs to keep heat in this winter
• Energy incentives & clean heating options
• Step-by-step support navigating state energy programs and rebates
These two programs work hand-in-hand to build a stronger local workforce while keeping homes comfortable and energy bills manageable.
📲 Make sure to give CCE Tompkins and Smart Energy Choices a follow on social media to keep updated on upcoming energy workshops, local grant opportunities, and workforce training programs throughout the season!
No-cost energy advising by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators Smart Energy Choices Contact Us