The City of Peekskill and six other municipalities in Northern Westchester are taking steps to come up with new ways to reduce energy consumption in order to save money.

The municipalities, all members of the Northern Westchester Energy Action Consortium (NWEAC), were awarded a grant earlier this year from NYSERDA to cover costs of the study. Two companies, Ecology and Environment Inc and Blue Springs Energy LLC were awarded a $280,000 contract to assist the communities by coming up with recommendations to reduce their energy consumption patterns.

The study will provide recommendations for energy usage and reduction in Croton,Bedford,Cortlandt, North Salem,Pound Ridge,Somers and Peekskill. Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster says "The information and data gathered through this shared services grant will allow Peekskill to set energy efficiency goals and formalize a climate action plan to achieve those goals." She called it an "outstanding example" of communities working together to save residents money.

The sentiment was echoed by Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Leo Wiegman, "We think the selected vendor team will give our municipalities the best climate traction plans within 12 months to save money and share services."