CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) – On Tuesday, the United Way of the Southern Tier announced a partnership with Common Energy to bring lower costing clean energy to communities in the Southern Tier.

Through the partnership, New York State residents can sign up for a 10% discount on their electricity rate for up to 20 years at no cost. The United Way and Common Energy says this will also lead to lower emissions in the community.

Officials also say average savings is $10 to $20 per month and each participant could help prevent about 5,000 pounds of carbon emissions per year.

Both homeowners and renters can enroll for free with their utility account at www.commonenergy.us/unitedway

By signing up, residents become subscribers to a local clean energy project working to lower fossil-fuel use and emissions. Additionally, for every person who signs up, Common Energy will make a $25 donation to the United Way of the Southern Tier.

“We are excited to help bring lower cost clean energy to our community,” said Stephen Hughes, president and CEO of the United Way of the Southern Tier. “The partnership furthers the United Way's mission of improving lives and advancing the common good.”

“We are excited to partner with United Way on this important and high-impact program,” said Richard Keiser, president and CEO of Common Energy. “Through this partnership, members of the public can prevent millions of pounds of emissions in their community and save on their electricity in a matter of minutes.”

"The United way of the Southern Tier is interested in the health of people, as well as, their financial stability, and their education. So this really speaks to the health of our goals and we're just happy to do something that will help the community, and help residents in the long run," says Lois Wilson, Spokeswoman for The United Way of the Southern Tier.