Frequently Asked Questions

A: The Clean Energy Trade Ally Network is designed to strengthen New York State’s clean energy ecosystem. It provides contractors and other trade allies with streamlined access to resources, training, marketing support, and program information, while also fostering partnerships with community groups, workforce organizations, and industry stakeholders. Through these efforts, the network helps deliver high-quality services to National Grid customers, supports workforce development, expands equitable access to clean-energy opportunities, and helps meet statewide goals outlined by the NYS Public Service Commission. 

A: Membership is open to trade allies operating within National Grid New York service territories whose work supports or aligns with National Grid’s clean energy and energy-savings initiatives. For contractors who directly deliver energy saving projects, eligibility also requires: 

• Actively serving National Grid customers 

• Meeting relevant program participation requirements, including delivering measures aligned with one or more energy savings programs 

• Maintaining any required licenses, insurance, and certifications 

The network also welcomes non-installing partners such as energy hubs, workforce development groups, community-based organizations, manufacturers, suppliers, and other industry partners — whose services, outreach, or expertise help advance energy efficiency adoption within National Grid service territories. 

A: For this network, a “trade ally” is a broad term for any company or organization that works within the clean energy, electrification, and energy efficiency sectors within New York State. Trade allies that work with National Grid customers and/or have an interest in knowing about or participating in National Grid programs are encouraged to join. Examples include: 

• Contractors & installers 

• Electricians & plumbers 

• Manufacturers & distributors 

• Engineers, architects, & designers 

• Municipalities 

• Community organizations 

• Institutions & campuses 

• Energy auditors 

• Other service providers or industry partners 

A: No. All rebates, incentives, and project approvals are handled through National Grid’s individual energy savings programs or their implementers. The network does not process customer incentives. It does, however, offer a central conduit for information, communication, training, and resources that supplement National Grid programs. 

A: The network provides a public-facing directory of participating trade allies. These listings and the “Find a Contractor” map help customers identify contractors who participate in National Grid programs. The network does not endorse or guarantee the work of any individual trade ally. However, the network will recognize different membership tiers for companies involved with projects based on total energy savings and other criteria. 

A: Yes. Participation in the Clean Energy Trade Ally Network is required in order to work with National Grid’s NYS programs or to access incentives through those programs. 

A: Trade allies can register by completing the registration form on the “Join the Network” page. This includes submitting business information, adding personnel, providing documentation such as licenses or insurance, and selecting program enrollments. Once program eligibility and/or enrollment requirements are confirmed, the Network Team will follow up with instructions for completing onboarding and orientation steps. 

For contractors and companies wishing to work with National Grid programs, registration is being offered on a rolling basis as programs become ready to accept them. If you are currently involved in or are working with others involved in an active program, you are eligible to register now. 

A: NO. Membership in the Clean Energy Trade Ally Network is free for eligible trade allies. 

A: Companies will need to provide organizational details including service areas, primary contacts, documentation (such as W-9s, insurance, licenses), and some personnel details. Additional information may be needed based on the programs you participate in. 

A: Your data is shared only with National Grid program staff and their authorized implementation vendors for purposes directly related to program delivery. The network does not sell trade ally data, and information is never shared outside of approved program operations. Trade allies are responsible for keeping their information current in the portal to ensure accurate program eligibility and visibility. 

The information you provide is used to support your company’s participation in National Grid’s energy savings programs and to ensure accurate, up-to-date records within the network. This includes verifying program eligibility, maintaining your company profile in the contractor directory and “Find a Contractor” map (if you elect to participate), coordinating communications, and supporting program operations such as training, outreach, and reporting. 

A: Active participation in National Grid programs and/or network operations is required to maintain membership. Trade allies may be asked to update their information periodically and need to meet certain performance requirements to remain in their designated membership tier. 

A: Membership tiers are intended for companies working directly with programs on installations and project delivery. The tiers are determined by metrics of participation such as the number of completed projects, energy savings achieved, quality benchmarks, or number of completed trainings. Each tier includes enhanced benefits such as increased marketing visibility, expanded training opportunities, and professional development resources. For more information on the membership tiers and eligibility, visit the “Join the Network” page. 

A: Benefits include: 

• Marketing visibility and inclusion in National Grid’s public-facing contractor directory 

• Access to training, technical resources, and professional development 

• Streamlined communications and updates from National Grid programs 

• Portal tools to manage company information, personnel, documents, and program enrollments 

• Eligibility to participate in events, recognition programs, and marketing campaigns 

• Access to the one-stop-shop hub where network resources are centralized (knowledge-based, program and marketing resources, support system, cohorts, and learning dashboards for free training) 

A: The Clean Energy Trade Ally Network replaced and expanded upon the previous ProNet network. Trade allies previously enrolled in ProNet automatically transitioned into the network with any pre-existing ProNet Silver or Gold tier statuses preserved. All members can advance to new tier levels based on their achievements. 

A: Within the portal, members can add or manage program enrollments, update company information, upload required documents, add or modify personnel, record service areas, and more. The portal is designed for ease-of-use and to reduce administrative burden. It can be accessed via single-sign-on through the Member Center page of the website. 

A: Approved trade allies receive login instructions after completing the enrollment process. Credentials are created through a secure system, and portal access is limited to registered network members. If you’re a member, you can login to your account through the member center page and access the portal from there. 

A: Your assigned Outreach Specialist is your primary contact for help with login issues, password resets, or portal navigation. If you’re unsure who your Outreach Specialist is, or if you need assistance reaching them, please use the “Contact Us” page or email the network team at info@ce.ally.nationalgrid.com and we will connect you with the correct specialist. 

A: Trade allies should update information whenever significant business changes occur, such as new personnel, updated insurance documents, service area changes, or new certifications. The network may also request periodic verification. 

A: No. The network provides data management, visibility and resources, but project referrals and customer engagement vary by program. Membership helps ensure you are recognized as a program-aligned trade ally, but it does not assign work. 

A: Yes. Because all your info is in one place, trade allies can select all applicable programs during enrollment and can update their program selections and enrollments over time. Note that some eligibility requirements are program specific. 

A: The network offers general guidance and access to helpful industry and program resources, but technical assistance for specific projects is provided by individual programs or their implementation vendors.  

A: National Grid offers a wide range of incentives across its energy efficiency and electrification programs. However, many programs and incentive structures are currently being redeveloped for the 2026 program cycle. Updated incentive information — as well as eligible measures, participation requirements, and program-by-program summaries — will be published once redevelopment is complete. 

As these updates become available, the network will ensure members have timely and centralized access to all program information through: 

• The Member Center (members only): 

• Will include resources, including dedicated program bulletins where program updates, incentive details, and measure summaries will be posted as they become available 

• Email notifications and mailing lists: 

• Members or those that opt into network mailing and newsletter lists will receive announcements when incentives change, when new programs open, or when major updates occur. 

• Live information sessions and webinars: 

• The network will host webinars and sessions to walk members through significant program or network changes. 

Until redevelopment is finalized, trade allies should refer to the individual National Grid program pages for the most current available information. 

A: No. All project submissions, technical reviews, approvals, and incentive processing must be completed through the individual National Grid programs or their authorized implementation vendors. 

The network serves as a centralized platform for trade ally engagement, resources, training, and communications, but all project-level operations remain program-specific and are managed outside of the network. 

A: The network works closely with National Grid programs, sales teams, implementation vendors, and marketing teams. It assists programs, vendors, and sales with outreach to trade allies and provides them access to a centralized trade ally database. The network team also works with marketing teams to ensure alignment with program goals and to develop marketing tools and materials that network members can use with their customers. 

A: Yes. Customers can use the network’s Find a Contractor map to identify participating trade allies. The directory and map feature helps customers connect with contractors in their area, that offer their desired measures and are familiar with National Grid programs and incentives. 

A: No. Customers should contact National Grid’s individual programs or customer service teams with questions about incentives, bill assistance, or project eligibility. 

A: Network contractors have met all network membership requirements and participate in National Grid’s programs. However, customers are encouraged to evaluate contractors independently for quality, pricing, and service needs. 

A: Network members should contact their assigned Outreach Specialist for any assistance needs. Members can also utilize the service desk to create service tickets when they need assistance (accessible from the Member Center page of the website). Non-members can contact the network team using the Contact Us form on the website or email info@ce.ally.nationalgrid.com for support. 

A: The network is currently managed by Performance Systems Development (PSD) on behalf of National Grid, in collaboration with National Grid program managers, implementation vendors, sales, and marketing teams.