Middleburgh Energy Symposium Seeks to Tackle Rising Utility Costs with Free Community Event

MIDDLEBURGH — Following a winter of "astronomically high" utility bills, local organizers are planning the Middleburgh Energy Symposium to help residents regain control over their energy expenses.

The free public event is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Middleburgh Town Hall, pending final approval from the Town Board this Thursday.

Organized by local resident James Schilling in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, the symposium aims to provide "straight answers without a whole lot of sales pressure and hype," according to Schilling. The initiative was sparked by a flurry of consumer confusion regarding recent energy price spikes.

“People deserve to have all the facts so they can make informed choices which will suit their needs,” Schilling said.

The event will feature a range of resources designed to convert energy knowledge into household savings. Key topics include identifying energy waste in the home, evaluating alternative power systems, and accessing programs to reduce monthly bills.

A highlight of the afternoon will be an "Energy Literacy" presentation at 4 p.m. by Michaela Fisher, a community energy educator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Cobleskill. Fisher will demonstrate the applications of energy savings kits and provide information on an upcoming free weatherization workshop for the Mohawk Valley region.

Schilling emphasized that the symposium is a "no sales" environment. Vendors with energy-related products or services are invited to provide informational displays at no cost, provided they pre-register.

“To reward all of them that take the time to show up on a Sunday afternoon in spring,” Schilling added, “I think we should give them a free ice cream cone.”

If you you are interested in attending:

The event is being held at  the Town of Middleburgh Hall on 139 Cotton Hill Rd in Middleburgh NY on Sunday May 3rd  from 2 to 5 PM...  

The admission is FREE to the general public, but please be sure to register online at https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTXVnR2fn/  (or please  call Mr Schilling at  518-603-8292)

In addition, vendors should also send their contact information and a brief description  of what you would like to have on their table to Jmjschilling52@gmail.com and pre-register no later than 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27th.