COBLESKILL — Local volunteers and energy experts are joining forces to launch a free public event aimed at helping residents combat rising utility costs following a difficult winter energy crisis.

James Schilling met Monday with Michaela Fisher, a community energy educator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, to begin strategizing the "Middleburgh Energy Symposium." The event is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, May 3, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Middleburgh Town Hall, pending formal approval from the Town Board during its meeting this Thursday evening.

The symposium is designed to provide residents with "energy literacy," offering practical strategies to identify home energy waste and evaluate alternative power systems. Attendees will have the opportunity to access specific programs meant to minimize monthly bills and can register for upcoming free weatherization workshops hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Smart Energy Choices - Mohawk Valley.

Organizers have issued a call for vendors who wish to present energy-related information. To maintain the educational focus of the event, the symposium will follow a "no sales" format with no fees charged to vendors. However, available spots are limited and registration is required.

Interested vendors must contact Mr. Schilling at 518-603-8292 no later than 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, to secure a space.