September 20, 2010

National Grid and NYSERDA 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 launched at Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany

National Grid and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today in Albany 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.

Under the new initiative, National Grid and NYSERDA 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.

The Albany Stratton VA Medical Center (VAMC), which has already instituted a number of energy-savings initiatives, is one of the first hospitals in Upstate New York to participate in the energy efficiency cost-saving program and kicked off the event at its facility in Albany.

Energy savings support will be offered for lighting, heating, cooling, insulation, retrocommissioning, 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. “The Stratton VA Medical Center is one of the first participants in Upstate New York because they are committed to operating in an environmentally sound manner as demonstrated by their leadership in providing energy efficient services to the Capital District.”

“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.”

“Congratulations to National Grid and NYSERDA for creating this innovative program which will help hospitals cut energy usage and save on costs,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “The Stratton VA Hospital is an ideal partner for this program because of the energy savings they've implemented through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and their commitment to providing the best possible care for our Veterans.”

“Investing in clean energy jobs is vital to both our economic recovery, as well as decreasing our dependence on oil,” said Congressman Scott Murphy (NY-20) “That's why I have been working closely with NYSERDA to make sure that Upstate New York is at the forefront of the new green economy. By increasing our energy efficiency at the Stratton VA, they will be able to cut energy costs and focus more of their resources on helping veterans.”

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin said, “I salute National Grid and NYSERDA for partnering to assist hospitals become more energy efficient to save money and protect the environment. The Energy Efficiency for Health initiative demonstrates that collaboration among government, non-profit and private agencies is key to making energy efficiency work. I also applaud the Stratton VA Medical Center for leading by example and stepping up as one of the first hospitals to participate in this initiative.”

“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.

“The Albany VA is delighted to be an upstate pioneer in this venture with National Grid and NYSERDA,” said Linda Weiss, Medical Center Director. “We have made significant strides in becoming a more energy-efficient employer and look forward with our National Grid-NYSERDA partnership to creating even greater savings and efficiencies through this program.”

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.ny.gov.

“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 the 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 the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center

The Albany Stratton VA Medical Center is an integrated, university affiliated tertiary care facility that provides a full range of patient care services utilizing state-of-the-art technology. It serves veterans in a 100-mile radius which includes 22 counties in upstate New York as well as those in western Massachusetts and Vermont. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary, tertiary and long-term care in the areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics, extended care and more. Albany VAMC is part of VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York, VISN2, which includes facilities in Buffalo, Batavia, Syracuse, Bath, and Canandaigua as well as a total of 29 Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.

Contact:

Patrick Stella, National Grid
518-433-3838

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