New York's largest community choice clean energy program -- automatically providing residents and businesses with 100% locally sources renewable energy -- has been activated in the City of Rochester.

The opt-out Rochester Community Power program will offer 57,000 residents and small businesses access to clean energy from hydropower and wind sources. The program requires customers to opt-out, instead of enrolling, to provide clean energy to the greatest number of people.

"So much hard work was put into creating Rochester Community Power, and now our residents will begin to reap the benefits," said Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren. "We look forward to adding the community solar program early next year, which will offer guaranteed savings for the community, including many of our more than 23,000 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) households."

The program will supply customers with more than 300 million kWh of renewable energy each year, avoiding roughly 225,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide over the next two years.

Joule Assets, as the program administrator, managed the competitive bidding process to secure a fixed rate for the next 24 months, protecting residents and businesses from volatile market prices.

Earlier this month, Joule Assets launched the first opt-out community solar program in the U.S. The Finger Lakes Community Choice program will be available to more than 3,800 households and businesses in Brockport and Lima, New York.

"As the largest CCA in New York, Rochester is a shining example for future projects in the state," said Jessica Stromback, CEO at Joule Assets. "Municipalities deserve a say in how their residents are served energy, and we are eager to help others in New York follow this blueprint to provide savings and clean energy solutions for their communities."

The programs will help New York State achieve its mandate to reach 70% renewables by 2030.

Subscribe to Renewable Energy World’s free, weekly newsletter for more stories like this