September 15, 2010

NYSERDA Energy-Efficiency Programs Receive National Recognition by American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy

Municipal Wastewater Plant Efficiency and Combined Heat and Power Programs Named Among Top Five Energy Efficiency Programs in Nation

Albany, Sept 15, 2010—Three New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) programs designed to help consumers cut electric power usage and utility costs have won national recognition by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) in Washington DC. 

Selected from among dozens of national competitors, two NYSERDA programs were included in the top five energy efficiency programs in the nation.  The programs for Wastewater Efficiency and Combined Heat and Power, which were recognized for their innovative approaches and for achieving significant energy reductions, have helped energy consumers in government, manufacturing, health care, and other sectors across New York State.  NYSERDA’s New York Energy $mart Commercial Lighting Program won an honorable mention.

Francis J. Murray, Jr., NYSERDA president and CEO, said, “NYSERDA is proud to administer programs that have saved New Yorkers millions of dollars and cut energy consumption by hundreds of megawatts of energy.  NYSERDA is grateful for this recognition from ACEEE, which is nationally recognized for its leadership on energy efficiency.  We look forward to continuing to serve as a model for other states and organizations seeking to reduce their energy use.”

ACEEE Executive Director Steve Nadel said, “New York continues to lead the country on innovation in energy efficiency programs, particularly in market segments often overlooked by traditional program portfolios. Both the Wastewater Efficiency Program and the CHP Demonstration Program will result in significant energy and cost savings for the state that will improve the state’s economic competitiveness. Along with the Commercial Lighting Program, these programs demonstrate collaboration between public and private stakeholders, serving as models for effectively coordinated and highly-leveraged programs that can last for years to come.”

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (NYSEFC) President and CEO Matthew J. Driscoll said: “When State agencies come together to reduce New York’s environmental impact it’s not only a ‘green’ or smart growth initiative, it is also smart governance. In our country, wastewater treatment facilities comprise 3% of the nation’s energy consumption. Cutting energy and water costs for New Yorkers and businesses will strengthen our State’s economy and environment. Congratulations to NYSERDA for this recognition and we look forward to working together more in the future.”

The Wastewater Efficiency Program, begun in May 2009, was recognized for its efficient delivery of services to 24 municipal systems.  Working in cooperation, NYSERDA and the NYSEFC leveraged Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative proceeds with federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.  The program provided energy efficiency support to 24 municipalities with infrastructure projects valued at $421 million.  These projects will save the municipalities $2.8 million annually and reduce consumption by more than 16 million kWh per year.

The second award for the Combined Heat and Power (CHP or cogeneration) Demonstration Program, underway for 10 years at NYSERDA, was recognized for its success in penetrating the market, including nearly $100 million in incentives that have spurred installation of approximately 100 projects across the State.  The program intentionally supports trailblazing projects which pioneer CHP solutions and showcase successful models for others to follow.  A major focus has been installing systems that connect to the grid operated by Con Edison throughout New York City and demonstrating engineering and regulatory solutions in this densely populated area of constrained, high electric demand.  NYSERDA’s leadership has spurred marketplace acceptance of larger CHP projects, with the installed capacity of projects since 2003 averaging over 2MW each.

NYSERDA’s Commercial Lighting Program promotes effective, energy-efficient lighting by providing training and assistance to lighting practitioners in designing and installing these systems in commercial areas 1,000 to approximately 100,000 square feet. The program seeks to increase the availability and sales of energy-efficient lighting products and to educate building owners and managers on the benefits of effective, energy-efficient lighting.  In addition to this honorable mention, the Commercial Lighting Program received an ACEEE Exemplary Energy Efficiency Program Award in 2007.  Since its inception in 2001, the Commercial Lighting Program’s business partners have effected over 15 million square feet and have achieved over 90 GWh in energy savings for their customers.

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