Webinar – Energy 101: Understanding Your Electricity Supply Costs
Recording Now Available:
Want to better understand your electricity supply costs? This webinar covers the various components that make up your electricity price, how different contract structures impact risk and budgeting, and what to look for when reviewing supplier agreements. Perfect for public entities and anyone looking for a practical refresher on New York’s deregulated electricity market.
Webinar – Use Less, Invest More: Cost-Neutral Energy Efficiency for Your Building Stock
Recording Now Available:
Join MEGA for a webinar on how local governments and school districts can fund energy efficiency upgrades without straining their capital budgets. We’ll cover how to align project scope, incentives, and financing to make efficiency projects cost-neutral, plus an introduction to two key NYSERDA funding programs (FlexTech and the Clean Green Schools Initiative), common energy conservation measures for public buildings and schools, and an update on pending state legislation that could make efficiency projects more financially attractive to school districts.
Energy Update – July 2026
This month, we honor the life and legacy of Barbara Blanchard, whose vision and leadership helped establish MEGA and shape it into the organization it is today. We also examine how renewed instability in Iran is influencing the outlook for New York electricity and natural gas prices as public entities prepare for the upcoming winter season. You’ll also find information on two upcoming MEGA webinars, learn about the recipients of the 2026 MEGA Member Scholarship, explore our Member Spotlight on Wayne County, and access a recent New York energy market update webinar recording from NRG.
Clinton County Students Picked for 2026 MEGA Member Scholarship
The Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA) is proud to announce that outstanding students from the Peru Central School District and Beekmantown Central School District have been selected as recipients of the 2026 MEGA Member Scholarship. Peru’s Lauren Davey and Beekmantown’s Loghan Strickland have each received $3,000 toward their college freshman-year expenses.
Remembering Barbara Blanchard, Founding Champion of MEGA
The Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA) joins municipal leaders, colleagues, and friends across New York in celebrating the life and legacy of Barbara Blanchard, whose vision, dedication, and leadership helped lay the foundation for the organization that continues to serve municipalities, school districts, and public entities across New York State. She was 91.
Member Spotlight: Wayne County
This month’s Member Spotlight features Wayne County, a region defined by its connection to Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal, and New York’s apple industry. From waterfront recreation and scenic parks to historic villages and local farms, Wayne County offers experiences that reflect the character and heritage of the area.
Energy Update – June 2026
This edition covers what the U.S.-Iran ceasefire means for New York energy prices, key takeaways from NYISO’s Power Trends 2026 grid report, and NYSAC’s new report on balancing renewable energy siting with farmland protection. We’re also recognizing our three 2026 MEGA Member Scholarship recipients, spotlighting Livingston County, and sharing details on NRG’s upcoming New York Energy Market Update webinar on June 23. Read the full newsletter to stay up to date on the latest in New York’s energy landscape.
NY Grid Outlook: What Municipalities Need to Know
Each year, NYISO (New York Independent System Operator) publishes its Power Trends report, giving a comprehensive look at the health and outlook of New York State’s electric grid. MEGA, with the support of its energy consulting partners at Priority Power Management, has reviewed the 2026 edition and put together the following summary of the key findings and what they mean for your municipality’s energy costs and budget planning.
Member Spotlight: Livingston County
This month’s Member Spotlight features Livingston County, a destination known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and small‑town communities. From the waterfalls and trails of Letchworth State Park to the farms and villages that define the region, Livingston County offers a range of experiences shaped by its natural surroundings. Discover what makes Livingston County a distinctive part of western New York.
Energy Update – May 2026
This month’s edition examines how ongoing global energy disruptions continue to shape New York’s electricity and natural gas markets, especially as we head into peak summer demand. We also break down key changes in the newly enacted State Budget, including updates to the CLCPA and new initiatives affecting energy affordability and municipal programs.
We also cover new state funding for clean energy upgrades in schools, recent data on how New York’s electricity usage compares nationwide, highlights from a busy month of conferences across the state, and our newest Member Spotlight on Ulster County!
New State Budget Revises CLCPA Targets and Timelines
After a prolonged delay, New York State has enacted its latest budget, including several notable changes to energy and climate policy. Updates to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) adjust emissions accounting methods, revise planning timelines, and introduce new regulatory considerations, including a greater emphasis on affordability and economic impacts.
The budget also includes additional funding for clean energy programs, new tools to address energy affordability, and expanded incentives for municipal initiatives such as electric vehicle adoption.
Member Spotlight: Ulster County
This month’s Member Spotlight features Ulster County, a county in the Hudson Valley known for its mountain landscapes, riverfront communities, and year‑round outdoor recreation. From the trails of the Catskills and Shawangunk Mountains to historic locations like Kingston and New Paltz, Ulster County offers a wide range of experiences shaped by both its natural setting and its communities. Discover what makes Ulster County a distinctive part of the Hudson Valley.