Page 26 - 2024 Westchester County Economic Development Guide

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
Sustainability
Heating Up
The Utilities Market
Kathy Hannun, Founder and President of Mount Kisco-based Dandelion Energy, shares how her company is working to bring clean, geothermal energy to homes across Westchester and beyond.
In 2017, I embarked on a mission to create Dandelion Energy, a company dedicated to making geothermal heating more mainstream. Our goal was to replace fossil fuel boilers with geothermal systems, thereby helping homeowners switch to a more sustainable and efficient way of heating and cooling their homes.
Our approach wasn’t just about introducing a new product; we believed that for a product to gain traction, it needed to be better, less expensive, and genuinely desired.
As I delved into the world of geothermal heating,
I discovered that in Europe, particularly in countries
like Sweden, geothermal heat pumps were historically considered a luxury product. However, in the United States, the challenge lay in making geothermal heating accessible to a wider audience. ere were a few companies that installed specialized and expensive systems. I started the company to work on that problem.
"Westchester County proved
to be a receptive audience,
with a high number of early
adopters, especially those
relocating from the city."
—Kathy Hannun, President of Dandelion Energy
We have been doing really well in terms of raising awareness and fostering adoption. But we can’t take all the credit, the timing was right as well. e federal government introduced a 30 percent tax credit, and in New York, utilities like Con Edison are offering substantial incentives. For instance, Con Edison pays up to $20,000 of the cost, and in some towns, homeowners receive up to $35,000. All of these factors are converging to create a supportive environment for homeowners to make the switch.
We identified New York as having the most favorable policies for homeowners, especially those who relied on heating oil. e state has millions of homeowners using heating oil, making them a prime target for a cleaner and more efficient alternative.
Westchester County proved to be a receptive audience, with a high number of early adopters, especially those relocating from the city.
Since our inception, Dandelion has grown steadily, with 175 employees spread across various markets, including Westchester, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
In 2024, our team is focusing on expanding our retrofit business while also venturing into the new construction sector. Collaborating with builders who are constructing new homes has become a new and exciting part of our business, ensuring that geothermal heating becomes a standard choice for future homeowners.
© Courtesy of Dandelion Energy © Courtesy of Dandelion Energy