Workforce Clean Energy Program

Central Hudson’s Workforce Clean Energy Program is designed to create meaningful training opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers who will play a critical role in facilitating New York State’s transition to a clean, low‑carbon energy future. The program focuses on building a strong, job‑ready workforce equipped with the technical skills needed to support electrification, energy efficiency, advanced HVAC systems, and modern building technologies that are central to the State’s climate and clean energy goals. Awards are limited to a maximum of $200,000.

Up to $200,000
Workforce development grant for eligible community‑based organizations and educational institutions delivering clean energy workforce training within Central Hudson’s service territory.

Eligibility Guidelines

• Program must be making its investment within the service territory.
• Be a community-based or 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, educational institution, or an alliance of such institutions.

General Requirements for Applicants

• Central Hudson funding will be available six months after project completion and once all necessary documentation demonstrating the investment and accomplishment of milestones as outlined in the project plan have been submitted to the Company.
• Applicants must receive written approval from Central Hudson prior to beginning the project work. Central Hudson will not reimburse for work started prior to written approval.
• Provide a minimum of two letters of support from Federal, State, or County-wide elected officials (e.g., County Executive, County Supervisor, County Administrator, Comptroller, etc) within the Central Hudson service area.
• Comply with annual reporting guidelines outlined below to meet the requirements of the New York State Public Service Commission.

Reporting Guidelines:

To ensure our workforce development grants meet obligations to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and state law, all grantees must provide the following information to Central Hudson. These reports demonstrate how grant funds contribute to a diverse and skilled workforce, support safe and reliable service, and benefit our community. Failure to meet these requirements may result in delayed funding or impact eligibility for future grants. Annual reports are due by January 31.

1. Financial Reporting

• Financial reports: Submit financial reports, including a detailed budget and a comprehensive breakdown of all expenditures, to ensure funds were used as intended.
• Budget reconciliation: Provide a report comparing actual expenses to the approved grant budget.
• Supporting documents: Submit all relevant invoices, receipts, and payroll records to verify expenses

2. Programmatic Reporting

• Training activities: Provide a detailed description of all training and services offered, including curriculum, instructors, and training locations.
• Performance metrics: Include data on key outcomes, such as:
• Number of participants enrolled, completed, and certified
• Participant demographics (gender, race, ethnicity, disadvantaged community status)
• Job placement rates following training
• Average starting wages and wage progression of placed participants
• Participant information: Include details on participants who completed training and were placed in relevant jobs (hire dates, job titles, employers).
• Employer involvement: Document partnerships with businesses, including their role in curriculum development, interviews, internships, or hiring trainees.
• Narrative summary: Submit periodic narrative reports outlining program progress, successes, challenges, and any required modifications.

3. Participant and Employee Tracking

• Data collection: Collect and report participant outcomes for a set period after training concludes to verify job retention and career advancement.
• Follow-up surveys: Conduct follow-up surveys or outreach to gather data on long-term employment status and wage progression.