Kingston Community Energy
Helping renters and homeowners save on electricity bills while advancing local clean energy.
Kingston Community Energy (KCE), launched in 2023 by the City of Kingston and Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET), is dedicated to bringing affordable, renewable energy options to residents and businesses across Kingston. Through KCE, we’re proud to offer community solar opportunities for households with low- to moderate-income levels, helping renters and homeowners save on electricity bills while advancing local clean energy.
But we’re not stopping there. MHET is actively exploring innovative energy solutions to expand green energy access even further, with initiatives like Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), Thermal Energy Networks, and Agrivoltaics on the horizon.
Community Solar
Community Solar is the flagship initiative of Kingston Community Energy, launched in partnership with Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET) to make affordable, renewable energy accessible for everyone. By teaming up with top solar developers and trusted community leaders, we’re able to deliver a program that guarantees real savings on your Central Hudson electricity bill.
Signing up is quick and easy, with a dedicated support team ready to assist every step of the way. When you join Community Solar, you’re guaranteed to lower your monthly electricity costs, support the shift to green energy, and play a key role in building a more energy-independent and resilient community.
Our Community Solar Programs
Mid-Hudson Community Solar
20% discount on your electricity bills
Reserved for Central Hudson customers who rent or own their homes in the Hudson Valley
Project Full
Kingston Community Solar
15% discount on your electricity bills
Reserved for eligible Kingston Residents
Project Full
Frequently Asked Questions
No! That’s the beauty of community renewables. You get all of the benefits of clean energy without having to install anything at your home or business.
If you move within the same utility zone, you can still be part of the project, just let us know so we can make the changes on your account. If you move to an area where we don’t have a project, you’ll unfortunately have to cancel your membership.
Yes. HOAs, houses of worship, and schools can qualify to receive savings. You can also ask us about our affiliate program so your organization can partner with us and receive even more benefits and savings!
If for whatever reason you want to leave, terms and conditions may vary depending on the project. It’s important to review your subscription agreement to see if there are any particular requirements. In most cases, you simply have to give a certain amount of notice so we can find someone else to take your spot.
Nope. You will have the same reliability that you have always had. Nothing will change except now when you receive your utility bill, you will see your bill credit applied, reducing your monthly energy costs. Your utility company still maintains the physical grid system, ensuring reliability, and delivering the electricity you use to power your home, business, or place of worship. We work with utilities to get more renewable energy on that grid system and transition to a more sustainable future.
If for whatever reason, the project you’re subscribed to goes offline, you’ll still be getting electricity from your utility company, but you temporarily won’t be getting the discount from your renewable project subscription. (i.e. things will go back to how they were before you subscribed). If a project has to shut down completely, we’ll help you switch to another project in your area if one is available.
Unfortunately, you’re not able to enroll in community solar if you already have solar panels installed.
Yes! You can maintain your ESCO contract and still join a community renewable project. In fact, signing up for both is encouraged. When choosing an ESCO as your energy supplier, you have the ability to power your home with renewable energy. Signing up for a community renewable project, on the other hand, provides a discount on the electricity produced while supporting local solar development.
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)
Kingston Community Energy was originally created as the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program for the City of Kingston. CCA programs enable cities, towns, and villages to purchase renewable electricity in bulk for residents and small businesses, making it an effective way to transition many people to renewable energy quickly.
In 2023, the City of Kingston selected Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET) to manage the CCA program. As of Fall 2024, we are awaiting approval from the Public Service Commission to officially become a CCA Administrator and launch the program.
CCA’s Key Features
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs are designed as ‘Opt-Out’ programs. This means that all eligible participants are automatically enrolled but will receive a notice beforehand. If you prefer not to participate, you can simply ‘opt out’—and there’s no cost to do so. You can also join or leave the program at any time.
There are no fees to join or leave our CCA program. Participation is always flexible—join or leave whenever it suits you, with no hidden costs.
CCAs are built on partnerships between local governments (such as cities, towns, and villages) and CCA Administrators with expertise in energy purchasing. These partnerships ensure a well-managed, reliable energy solution for your community.
CCAs help entire communities access renewable energy by purchasing it in bulk. This approach enables us to secure competitive rates from energy suppliers, with the goal of making clean energy more affordable and accessible for everyone.
CCA Models
1.0
Bulk Power Purchasing
CCA 1.0 focuses on the bulk purchase of electricity for communities, allowing cities, towns, and villages to secure renewable energy at competitive rates. While CCA 1.0 enables communities to transition from conventional to renewable power sources, it mainly serves as a solution for purchasing and distributing clean electricity at scale.
2.0
Local Renewable Energy Development
CCA 2.0 takes CCA to the next level by not only purchasing renewable energy in the short term but also entering into long term agreements with new, local sources of renewable energy. This model allows communities to support the development of local solar or wind projects, creating local jobs and generating energy within the community. CCA 2.0 empowers communities to make a direct impact by increasing local clean energy capacity and reducing reliance on energy sources outside the region.
3.0
Comprehensive Community Energy Solutions
At Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET), we are pioneering CCA 3.0—a transformative model that brings a holistic, community-centered approach to energy. Beyond simply purchasing power, CCA 3.0 integrates initiatives that expand access to renewable energy across our communities. With programs like community solar, MHET ensures that more residents, including renters, can benefit from affordable, renewable energy without needing rooftop panels. Our model also champions building decarbonization and electrification by supporting upgrades to all-electric heating, promoting electric vehicle adoption, and boosting energy efficiency in homes and businesses.
But the heart of CCA 3.0 is its commitment to economic empowerment. Through our HELP Fund, MHET opens doors for everyday people to co-invest in their community’s future, creating meaningful wealth-building opportunities. This approach means that as we advance toward a sustainable future, every resident, regardless of income, can share in both the financial rewards and the environmental benefits—making a resilient, inclusive community possible for all.
Benefits of CCAs
Steps to implementing a CCA
1
Municipal Approval
The process begins with the municipality passing enabling legislation, allowing them to explore and implement a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. This decision reflects the community’s commitment to cleaner, more sustainable energy.
2
Selecting a CCA Administrator
Once the legislation is in place, the municipality selects a CCA Administrator—a qualified organization responsible for managing the program and ensuring it aligns with community goals.
3
State Approval
The CCA Administrator then seeks approval from New York State’s Public Service Commission (PSC). This step confirms that the program meets state guidelines and is ready to move forward.
4
Choosing an Energy Supplier
After PSC approval, the CCA Administrator solicits bids from energy suppliers, comparing rates and renewable energy content. The goal is to secure a competitive rate with a high percentage of renewable energy, helping reduce emissions and support sustainability.
5
Notifying the Community
Residents and small businesses are notified about the CCA program, with clear information on how to participate or opt out. Participation is flexible—residents can join or leave the program at any time.
6
Accessing Stable, Renewable Energy
Participants receive a fixed rate for renewable energy over a specified term, usually with options for 50% or 100% renewable content depending on the selected bid. This stability in pricing supports residents’ budgets and helps further New York’s renewable energy goals.
Join Us in Shaping Our Community's Energy Future
Questions? We're here to help!
Have questions and need help getting them answered? Send us a question, or contact us at the information below:
- Call us at 845-383-1050
- Visit the office at 280 Wall Street, Suite 379, Kingston, New York 12401 USA
Check out our other programs
Community Council
Energy Innovation
HELP Fund
