Ampion Renewable Energy and Erie County, New York have enrolled more than 1,400 low-income residents in the Erie County Low-Income Program for Sustainable Energy (ECLIPSE) during its first six months of operation. The program is delivering significant cost savings while expanding renewable energy across Erie County.

Current enrollees are expected to save a combined $63,000 per year on electricity costs through discounted solar credits applied to their electricity bills. The program offers qualifying residents savings of up to 10% on their electric bills, with no upfront investment or installation requirements. Beyond financial benefits, ECLIPSE is expected to help avoid an estimated3,600+ tons of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to removing over 8.3 million miles of gasoline-powered vehicle travel.

“ECLIPSE seeks to lower the energy burden for households that need relief while expanding access to renewable power,” said Sarah Sanford, Senior Energy Development Specialist and ECLIPSE Coordinator. “Our early results show what’s possible when local government, community organizations, and renewable energy providers work together. Ampion has been an important partner in helping us scale quickly and ensure that community solar is accessible to the people who need it most.”

The program’s success comes from a grassroots outreach strategy built by Erie County and Ampion. The campaign helps reduce residents’ energy burdens through clear, direct engagement. Efforts include community events, direct mail, text messages to eligible households, and in-person events to ensure the message reaches low-income residents in need. Ampion supported these efforts with educational materials, a streamlined online enrollment system, and personalized enrollment assistance. The company’s track record of managing over 1.5 GW of community solar projects ensures Erie County’s program is built for scale.

“We meet residents where they are to ensure we reach as many energy-burdened households as possible,” said Brian Buzby, Community Partnerships Executive at Ampion. “The enrollment numbers reflect both the community's need for energy cost relief and the effectiveness of working closely with local governments to build trust. Our ability to scale programs like ECLIPSE demonstrates that community solar can reach the families who need it while still delivering strong results for developers and communities alike.”

The program remains open to Erie County homeowners and renters who participate in federal or state assistance programs, including the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Erie County and Ampion expect the program’s financial and environmental impacts to grow substantially over the coming year, offering a blueprint for other municipalities nationwide seeking to scale equitable access to clean energy. Residents can sign up for the program at erie.gov/eclipse.