Region maximizing efficiency as a solution in a tough economy

May 20, 2009

May 20, 2009 LEXINGTON, Mass. – 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 www.neep.org.

“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, May 27
• Evening reception featuring energy efficiency in New York
• Full day conference featuring policy and applications panels
• Municipal leader recognition (Amityville, NY and Andover, MA)
• Northeast Business Leaders for Energy Efficiency luncheon
• Exhibition of efficiency services and technologies
• Student scholarships and job board
• Appliance giveaway sponsored by Best Buy, Samsung and Sharp

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. Speakers include:

• David Thurm, Senior Vice President of Operations, The New York Times
• Frank Murray, President and CEO, NYSERDA
• Tom King, Executive Director, Electricity Distribution & Generation, National Grid USA
• Garry Brown, Chairman, New York Public Service Commission
• James Gallagher, Senior Vice President of Energy & Telecommunications, NY City Economic Development Corporation
• Rich Lechner, Vice President of Energy and Environment, IBM

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.

“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.”

"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.”

Northeast Business Leaders for Energy Efficiency

The Northeast Business Leaders for Energy Efficiency Recognition is a prestigious program that illustrates the impact of energy efficiency and how these companies overcame internal and external barriers to moving forward with their initiatives. This luncheon will celebrate and honor businesses that demonstrate outstanding leadership in effectively implementing best energy efficiency practices. The 2009 Northeast Business Leaders for Energy Efficiency are:

• Aviator Sports, Brooklyn, N.Y., sponsored by National Grid
• Barton Mines, Glens Falls, N.Y., sponsored by National Grid
• Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, Conn., sponsored by The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and The Connecticut Light and Power Company
• Hy-Ten Plastics, Milford, N.H., sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire
• Newly Weds Foods, Watertown, Mass., sponsored by NSTAR
• Norris Food Services, Bohemia, N.Y., sponsored by Long Island Power Authority
• Stratford Board of Education, Stratford, Conn., sponsored by The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and The United Illuminating Company
• Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton Mt, VT, sponsored by Efficiency Vermont
• TransForm Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, Mass., sponsored by National Grid
• Wegmans, New York, sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

About NEEP

Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) is a regional nonprofit organization founded in 1996 whose mission is to promote the efficient use of energy in homes, buildings and industry in the Northeast U.S. through regionally coordinated programs and policies that increase the use of energy efficient products, services and practices, and that help achieve a cleaner environment and a more reliable and affordable energy system. For more information, visit www.neep.org 

CONTACT:

Nancy Norman, NYSERDA
866-NYSERDA, ext 3414
njn@nyserda.ny.gov

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