August 05, 2010

National Grid and New York State Energy Research Development Authority announce joint initiative to help hospitals reduce energy usage, control costs and minimize environmental impacts

Program to help hospitals cut energy costs by as much as 20 percent unveiled locally with Kaleida Health

National Grid and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today launched “Energy Efficiency For Health,” a powerful new partnership to help National Grid's hospital customers across New York State reduce their energy usage, save on operating costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions through more efficient use of electricity and natural gas.

At a press conference held at Buffalo General Hospital, National Grid and NYSERDA unveiled an initiative where they will work together to provide hospitals with individualized and targeted technical assistance as well as up to $10 million in funding for energy efficiency initiatives that will generate as much as $5 million in annual energy savings.

Buffalo General Hospital, is part of the Kaleida Health network, which has already instituted a number of energy-savings initiatives. It is the first hospital in the Western New York region to participate in the energy efficiency cost-saving program and kicked off the event at its facility in Buffalo.

Energy savings support will be offered for lighting, heating, cooling, insulation, retro-commissioning, data center operations, and other energy-intensive operations.

“National Grid is committed to assisting our customers in reducing their carbon footprint and saving money by wisely managing their energy usage and we are happy to partner with NYSERDA to help hospitals control energy costs,” said National Grid President Tom King. “We have a long history of successful energy efficiency programs, and this partnership aimed at the critical health care industry is the latest; piece of the portfolio.”

“Energy management is absolutely critical for hospitals to control costs while minimizing environmental impacts,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray, Jr. “Combining the energy expertise and resources of National Grid and NYSERDA will provide hospitals with the best options possible to meet their growing energy needs. This important partnership will give hospitals targeted and individualized energy solutions to help cut their energy costs by as much as 20 percent and allow them to focus more resources on patient care and support where they belong.”

“Energy Efficiency For Health” brings together the program and technical resources of National Grid and NYSERDA to work collaboratively to identify energy efficiency opportunities for New York State hospitals, provide hands on account management, and assist hospitals through the design and implementation of sustainable, cost reducing, energy efficient measures and practices. Customized lists of energy efficiency measures will be developed and prioritized based on payback on investment, a phased implementation plan and customer goals as they relate to advancing critical care practices.

"Kaleida Health has had a long history of partnering with National Grid and NYSERDA, including our Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital expansion project, our soon to be built new nursing home as well as our new heart and vascular institute under construction next to Buffalo General Hospital,” said Joseph Kessler, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Kaleida. “Not only does this partnership help us realize energy savings, but all of this is being accomplished while reducing the environmental impact. This equates to a win – win for the community, win for health care and a win for the environment. Kaleida Health again wants to thank National Grid and NYSERDA for their partnership with Kaleida Health, our community and health care in Western New York. We look forward to strengthening this further by participating in this exciting new venture as a result of their generous funding of this project."

About 75 to 100 of the largest hospitals across New York State in National Grid's service area were selected to participate in “Energy Efficiency For Health” based on hospital type, size, number of beds and relative age. Prior project activity in energy efficiency programs was considered as well. The hospital initiative includes electric and gas energy efficiency programs.

“Energy Efficiency For Health” consists of four main components:

• Technical Assistance Studies for hospitals interested in identifying their energy efficiency options.
• Energy Efficiency Incentives for retrofit and new construction projects to off-set the cost of energy efficiency improvements.
• Customer Installation Support to provide participating hospitals with a complete package that addresses all energy related issues critical to their facilities' operation.
• Outreach, Education, and Marketing to recruit hospitals into the initiative.

To participate in the program, hospitals can call 1-866-774-8818. For additional information, customers can visit NYSERDA Healthcare Page. “Energy Efficiency For Health” provides up to $10 million in energy efficiency grants and will be available to hospitals for up to two years or as long as funds are available.

About National Grid

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is he largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

About Kaleida Health

Kaleida Health is the largest healthcare provider in Western New York. More than one million patient visits are recorded annually at the Buffalo General Hospital, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, plus the health system's 96 clinics and community healthcare centers. It also includes the Deaconess Center and Waterfront long-term care facilities, plus the nation's oldest – and original - Visiting Nursing Association.

Contact:

Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov

Steve Brady, National Grid,716-831-7744