MIDDLEBURGH — A free community energy symposium will be held Sunday, May 3, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Middleburgh Town Hall, 139 Cotton Hill Road, offering residents guidance on reducing household energy costs after a winter of steep utility bills.

Organizer James Schilling said the event was prompted by widespread concern over unexpectedly high energy expenses.

“Everyone kind of expected them to be high, but not as astronomically high as they were,” Schilling said.

The symposium is designed to provide what organizers describe as “straight answers without a whole lot of sales pressure and hype,” following confusion among consumers about recent price spikes.

The event will feature local businesses, advocacy groups and informational organizations offering resources on identifying energy waste, evaluating alternative power systems and accessing programs that can help lower monthly bills.

Schilling said the program is primarily intended for residents of Middleburgh and surrounding communities who want to make informed decisions about their energy use.

Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance online or by calling Schilling at 518-603-8292. Vendors and organizations interested in participating must submit a brief description and contact information via email.

Participants will be divided into two groups: small local businesses offering energy-related products and services, and organizations providing information, assistance and advocacy.

Schilling said he hopes the symposium will help residents turn information into action.

“You deserve to have all the facts so you can make the right choices,” he said.

As an added incentive, organizers plan to offer free ice cream to attendees.