New York to Host Summit to Explore Benefits of Energy Efficiency

March 05, 2009

Albany, New York and Lexington, Massachusetts- - The recent economic downturn and corresponding stimulus plan has made investment in energy efficiency one of the top priority solutions to reverse these tough times. The 2009 Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit: Maximizing the Energy Efficiency Solution, scheduled for May 27-28 in Albany, New York will highlight how the Northeast is leading the effort to advance energy efficiency in support of a green economy that sustains and builds jobs, while contributing to a cleaner environment. This year’s Summit is the fourth annual event presented by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP). For more information, please visit the Summit website http://www.neep.org.

“On behalf of Governor David A. Paterson, I would like to welcome this year’s summit participants to Albany, New York and thank NEEP for selecting our capital city as the venue for this year’s energy efficiency summit,” said Francis J. Murray, Jr., NYSERDA President and CEO. “Right here in Albany, and all across New York, investments in energy efficiency are helping homeowners manage their utility expenses and improving the bottom line for our small business owners. Maximizing the Energy Efficiency Solution, the theme for this year’s summit, complements the Governor’s comprehensive ‘45 by 15’ energy policy, which will significantly reduce our energy consumption, create jobs, and improve our environment.”

“With the continued decline of our economy and the swearing in of a new administration, the value of energy efficiency to address key policy, business and environmental concerns is at an all time high,” said Sue Coakley, executive director of NEEP. “Efficiency is the only energy solution that reduces our demand, inspires innovation and spurs competitiveness and profitability.”

The 2009 Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit will highlight municipalities and business leaders in our region who have experienced the benefits of energy efficiency and will examine policy and program advances that are helping the region capture enormous savings through efficiency.”

The Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit will take place on May 27-28, 2009 at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany, New York. This two day event includes:

• Workforce development workshops
• Evening reception honoring municipal leadership for energy efficiency
• Full day conference featuring policy and applications panels
• Northeast Business Leaders for Energy Efficiency luncheon
• Exhibition of efficiency services and technologies

The Summit will explore the role of efficiency as a solution to meet energy, economic and environmental goals in the Northeast. NEEP’s annual event brings together policy, business, energy, consumer and environmental advocacy leaders from across the region to offer sound solutions for capturing efficiency as a priority energy resource for the Northeast.

NEEP is proud to have the support of Best Buy, National Grid, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as the Platinum Sponsors for the 2009 Summit.

“National Grid is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of NEEP’s 2009 Summit. For over twenty years, the company has been delivering award-winning energy efficiency programs,” said Tim Stout, Vice President for Energy Efficiency and Distributed Resources for National Grid. “Energy efficiency is crucial to jumpstarting the new economy and solving the global climate crisis. National Grid is committed to delivering innovative and holistic energy solutions to our customers.”

NEEP also congratulates Gold Sponsors: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (The Connecticut Light and Power Company and The United Illuminating Company), ConEdison, the New York Power Authority and NSTAR for their commitment to this event and to the effort to advance energy efficiency.

CONTACT:

Sal Graven, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, ext 3331
sg2@nyserda.ny.gov

Catherine Stanley, NEEP
(781) 860-9177, ext. 124
cstanley@neep.org