NY-GEO to Represent GHP Interests in Empire State

In early August, geothermal heat pump (GHP) stakeholders put the finishing touches on a new trade association that promises to increase market penetration and sales across 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 NY-GEO President John Franceschina (PSEG Long Island Manager of Residential Efficiency Programs). NY-GEO is a New York State 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 this revolutionary technology; and
Advocate for enlightened policy and legislation that support the widespread adoption of GHPs in New York State as an integral part of the state’s transition to clean energy.

Helping stakeholders kick off the new organization is its Executive Director, Bill Nowak. “NY-GEO is extremely fortunate that Bill joined our team as Executive Director, to lead day-to-day operations with the perfect blend of demeanor, experience and passion,” said Franceschina.

Nowak proved his effectiveness as Director of Policy Research on the New York Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. His work resulted in Sen. Antoine M. Thompson being named “2010 Legislator of the Year” by Environmental Advocates of New York and “2010 Solar Legislative Champion” by the New York Solar Energy Industries Association.

In 2011, Nowak received his IGSHPA Accredited Geothermal Heat Pump Installer Certification, adding to many certifications and education credentials on his resume since earning a BA degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

“I can’t think of a better place to be than my new role as NY-GEO Executive Director,” said Nowak. He looks forward to working with association members on a number of legislative and regulatory issues to broaden the GHP market in New York State and promote more sales.

“High on the list,” Nowak said, “is knocking down barriers to widespread adoption of GHPs as a renewable and efficient technology across New York State.” Among other things, NY-GEO’s initiatives to date have included:

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 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.

Representing the nationwide interests of the GHP 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 and to join NY-GEO, visit their interim website, here. Nowak can be contacted at the New York Geothermal Energy Organization, 50 Inwood Place, Buffalo, NY 14209. Phone: (716) 316-7674. Email: billnowa@gmail.com.