The collection consists of files related to the administration of Community Energy Services (expense reports, financial statements, insurance & IRS files, board minutes & reports, etc.) and files related to the various projects spearheaded by the agency. Also included are CDs of photographs, DVDs, videotapes and audio tapes of events, posters and other oversized material.
Collection Overview
Community Energy Services was registered with the New York State Department of State in August of 2000 following a series of meetings led by the St. Lawrence County Planning Office.
From 2001 to 2010, CES sought to reduce energy usage in North Country buildings and lower energy costs for residents, homeowners and public entities, with an emphasis on low to moderate income households.
Performing energy audits, securing financing for and overseeing energy efficiency improvements, raising awareness of energy efficiency and marketing of these services were the objectives of CES. The philosophy of the organization was that by reducing energy use, costs will be lowered, energy self-sufficiency will be increased and home comfort and safety will be improved.
For most of CES’s existence, major funding came from a grant from the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA). In addition to the above work, Community Energy Services became a partner with Seedcorn, Inc. in sponsoring the annual North Country Sustainable Energy Fair held in Canton each spring. In 2010, CES lost its grant funding from NYSERDA, causing the organization to disband.
The collection was donated to St. Lawrence University by Doug Welch, Vice Chairman of the CES Board of Directors.