Nine communities, including the city of Poughkeepsie, have been awarded state solar project contracts. These contracts are designed to help low-income famlies in New York to access renewable energy. 

The state's Energy Research and Development Authority says it is part of the "Solar for All" program, which looks to reduce the energy costs for about 7,000 low-income households.

The program works jointly with Governor Andrew Cuomo's goal of having 50 percent of New York's electricity come from Renewable Sources by 2030, to combat climate change.

Eligible households can enroll in the project for free online.