Premier Northeast Renewable Heating & Cooling Conference Returns to Albany, April 18-19

Conference Looks to Spur Massive Conversion of Buildings to Renewable Heat 

Specially priced intro Geothermal 101 bloc available on Day 1.

 The New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO) is holding its fourth annual Renewable Heating & Cooling Conference at the Red Lion Hotel in Albany, New York on April 18 & 19.  Support for renewable heating and cooling is at an all-time high amid recent state developments of a $15 million geothermal rebate program announced by Governor Cuomo in 2017 and the Community Clean Heat Program announced by the New York State Energy and Development Authority (NYSERDA) at the beginning of this year.  In addition Congress recently reinstated the 30% federal tax credit for residential geothermal installations.

Conference organizers support New York’s goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. With more than 30 percent of New York’s emissions coming from heating and cooling buildings with fossil fuels, the expansion of renewable heat pumps is more critical than ever. The conference, hosted by NY-GEO, a non-profit trade association, looks to help accelerate the wide-scale adoption of heat pumps for renewable heating and cooling across the state and throughout the northeast.

This year’s conference will include keynote addresses from Public Service Commission (PSC) Chair John Rhodes and NYSERDA President Alicia Barton on day one.  Panels on day two feature officials from New York’s utilities discussing the integration of renewable heating and cooling in their operations, as well as an international and interstate panel with speakers from Sweden, Norway, the UK, Ontario and Massachusetts.

Currently, fossil-fuel based thermal energy — primarily natural gas, propane and heating oil — are the main energy sources for space heating and domestic hot water in the residential and commercial sectors. It is responsible for approximately one third of New York’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Geothermal heat pump installations use the constant temperature under the ground’s frost line to renewably heat and cool homes and businesses without producing greenhouse gases on site.  Renewable heating and cooling technologies not only provide environmental benefits, they can provide energy bill savings, increased comfort levels and health benefits compared to conventional heating and cooling technologies.

The event will also feature leading designers and installers, national and international geothermal experts, and representatives from state agencies.  There are already 250 registrants from more than 140 communities, 21 states, 2 provinces and 6 countries registered.  The opening night dinner will feature Mr. Rhodes as the keynote speaker, and both days allow time to mingle in the Exhibitor Area with leading product manufacturers, distributors and service providers.

To register for the full conference or to learn more – please visit ny-geo.org

NY-GEO is making a special Wednesday morning bloc of the conference, available to the public at a reduced price of $49. This bloc is designed for those who want to get acquainted with Geothermal Heating and Cooling.  It features these 3 sessions and runs from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Wednesday, April 18th:

1. The opening keynote address from Alica Barton – President and CEO of the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) –  Learn how New York, under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, is seeing the transition to renewables in the heating and cooling sector.
2. Geothermal 101 – This beginner’s tutorial on geothermal is being taught by Jay Egg – geothermal developer and author, who is one of the industry’s best communicators.  His book Geothermal HVAC – Green Heating & Cooling is a classic, and you’ll leave this session having learned the important basics.
3. Each year NY-GEO holds a GeoStar Top Job competition where several finalists get 10 minutes each to show off their favorite installation of the past year.  In this session, see how geothermal is applied in many varied circumstances and get a clearer picture of how it might work in your community, your business or your own home.  The 2017 GeoStar Top Job was a low income housing project in Lockport NY, which cut energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions and brought air conditioning to many tenants for the first time.

In addition, attendees can meet 30 exhibitors while munching on snacks during the 11:00 to 11:30 morning break,

NY-GEO is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to geothermal heating and cooling. Our 70 founding members include geo designers, installers, manufacturers, drillers consultants and distributors, interested in promoting the use of ground-source heat pumps to heat and cool buildings in New York State. For more information go to, ny-geo.org.

The press is welcome to cover any aspect of the conference – call 716-882-9237 or email nygeoinfo@gmail.com to make arrangements.