We checked in with Common Energy subscriber and long-time Hudson, New York resident, Joe Keneally, to learn more about his business, why community solar appealed to him, and why he signed up for a local clean energy project with Common Energy.
Watch the video to learn more about Joe and check out some highlights from our interview with him below!
Q: Hi Joe! Can you tell us a little more about your business?
I ended up buying this parcel of land which is about 30 acres. I needed it because I had to sell the building I had my business in — and I had to move into another building. Now, I have City Glass, City Locksmith, Fairview Barber Shop, Albany Transport, and a collectible business.
There’s a nice pond out here and lately I’ve been thinking lately about maybe having some film screenings out back too.
Q: How long have you been in your community? What does your community mean to you?
I’ve been in the Hudson Valley about 70 years. It seems like home. I’ve been here for quite a while. I know quite a few of the people — and I’ve seen it go through a lot of transitions. I’ve seen the properties go from very high-end, to very low-end, and then back up to high-end again.
Q: Why did you sign-up for Common Energy and what made it so appealing?
I found out about Common Energy from a family member. It made me sign up because I feel it is important to save energy and I think the program is a good program. Solar, I think, is the way to go. The more people we can get involved in this, the more it is going to grow. Getting away from the other forms of energy is very important. I think it is very important to get involved — not just because of the savings, but because we’re saving on energy itself.
Q: What are some of the other steps, besides Common Energy, that you’ve taken to help the environment and what would you recommend to others?
Well, I’ve been doing a number of things. For example, low-energy lighting. I’ve done quite a bit of that. I’ve done some heating things — upgraded the heating systems in the building. I think these efforts are small but important ways to help.
