Glustoff and Neuhaus by the solar panels
TOWN OF GOSHEN – New York State’s Energy Improvement Corporation
announced its completion of the first commercial Property Assessed Clean
Energy (PACE) financing in New York State.
Energize NY’s first PACE loan was used to fund a 53 kilowatt ground-mounted
solar installation located in the fields of 5 Spoke Creamery Farm on the
Pulaski Highway in the Town of Goshen.
The Mid-Hudson Valley artisanal cheese making facility is known for its
cave-aged raw milk cheeses which are sold nationwide in high-end retailers
including Whole Foods.
The solar panels, which were installed by Novel Approaches of Orange County,
generated energy savings from day one and will replace 100 percent of
5 Spoke Creamery’s annual electricity costs.
Barbara and Alan Glustoff, owners of 5 Spoke Creamery, moved their operations
to Orange County from Pennsylvania, reversing a trend that had seen farming
operations decline in Orange County. The solar project financed by Energize
NY Finance offers numerous benefits to the Glustoffs’ business and
the community.
Alan Glustoff said his total commitment to going green simply makes sense
because of his lifelong commitment to sustainability.
“But also to make sure that this has a future,” Glustoff said.
“One of the ways to safeguard the future is by taking the steps
today that will lower the costs tomorrow.”
Mark Thielking is chairman of the Energy Improvement Corporation, which
is owned by local governments, including Orange County. He had high praise
for Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus.
“A key element of the Energize New York program is the participation
of our member municipalities,” Thielking said. Orange County joined
the EIC in 2014 and has been the most active and innovative member in
leveraging Energize New York.”
Calling it a “beautifully sexy project,” Neuhaus said he is
“very proud” that Orange County is the first county in our
state to implement the Energize NY Finance program.
Dutchess County is now considering joining the program. County lawmakers
were briefed on its benefits last week.
