Bright Ideas for Lower Bills: Free Energy Workshop in Utica
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) knows that energy costs can be a real stretch in household budgets and wants to make it as easy as possible for both homeowners and renters to take energy-saving steps.
That is why NYPA is partnering with Cornell Cooperative Extension Smart Energy Choices–Mohawk Valley, the regional clean energy hub in Oneida County supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
The Energy Education and Weatherization Workshop will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cornhill Empowerment Center, 230 James St, Utica, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. Attendees are welcome to begin arriving at 5:30 p.m.
The event will offer an intergenerational workshop that includes a free meal and a free energy conservation kit for all attendees. Bring the whole family to learn simple, no-cost ways to conserve energy and lower utility bills.
Kids will enjoy their own fun and an engaging energy-themed activity – and the family will have much to talk about on the way home.
“You don’t have to be a contractor to see significant savings if you use do-it-yourself methods in energy efficiency,” said Matt with NYPA’s environmental justice team, which manages the program. “There are many actions a family can take to reduce bills without compromising comfort or safety, and we hope participants will take home what they learn to share with their friends and neighbors.”
This is one of many programs scheduled around the state to bring to light techniques that NYPA uses for many of its government and business customers – reduce the need for fossil fuels and other energy resources by promoting energy efficiency. The goal is for families to better understand the biggest energy consumers in their homes and apartments and identify ways to reduce their bills, Matt said.
Brittany Amore, co-director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Oneida County, said, “At CCE Oneida we believe energy education is a powerful tool for all ages strengthening families and communities. Workshops like this give people real, practical ways to save money and stay comfortable at home. We hope anyone who attends this workshop feels empowered to make changes at home and improve their energy efficiency.”
Participants will receive a free take-home kit with the following items:
Squeeze Tube Caulk
Deluxe Shrink Wrap Window Kit
Self-Adhesive Weather-strip Foam Tape
LED Night Lights with Photocell
Self-Adhesive Door Sweep
Hot Water Gauge
LED Light Bulb
Bi Metal Refrigerator Freezer Thermometer
The workshop is one of the many education programs offered by NYPA’s environmental justice team, which also provides age-appropriate STEM for students in grades 3-12 and funds energy-related community projects. More than 100 adult weatherization workshops have taken place around New York State, and 25 more are planned before the end of the year.
NYPA takes pride in being a good neighbor and supporting the needs of the historically underserved and marginalized communities that host its facilities and assets.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Smart Energy Choices–Mohawk Valley provides information to individuals, small businesses, and affordable housing owners about ways to reduce energy use and how to make more informed energy decisions.
For more information on how to sign up for the Utica program or any others, please contact energyandenv@cornell.edu or call (315) 736-3394 x260.