Albany, NY – September 8, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has made more than $1.6 million available through the Multifamily Performance Program to the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority (SMHA) as part of a comprehensive statewide energy reduction plan. Following an efficiency upgrade, SMHA will reduce energy use by more than 20 percent in six of its apartment complexes, which is expected to save SMHA nearly $480,000 annually. The NYSERDA initiative is part of Governor David A. Paterson’s ‘45 by 15’ plan to meet 45 percent of the State’s electricity needs through efficiency and renewable resources by 2015.
“Today’s announcement is a great example of what we are doing all over New York to reduce our energy consumption. The Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority will lower its electricity costs, which means savings for taxpayers,” said Governor Paterson. “We are putting New York in a position to be the global leader in the clean energy economy, which will put New Yorkers to work and make energy more affordable.”
“Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority is one of many municipal housing authorities across the State that NYSERDA is working with to reduce energy use by investing in energy efficiency. The benefits gained through these upgrades will result in impressive energy savings and a more comfortable living environment for the residents,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray, Jr. “This project is a prime example of how New York is working to achieve Governor Paterson’s aggressive energy efficiency goals for the State.”
Governor Paterson’s ‘45 by 15’ program is one of the nation’s most aggressive energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. By 2015, New York State will receive 45 percent of its electricity through energy efficiency and clean renewable energy – 15 percent electricity savings from efficiency measures and 30 percent met by renewables. It is estimated that this program will create 50,000 new jobs throughout the State.
Mayor Brian U. Stratton said: “Cleaning the environment and working proactively to save energy is everyone’s business. We are grateful that Governor Paterson and NYSERDA are leading the way across New York to help Schenectady achieve those important goals.”
“This project is a good example of a public partnership to provide better service to residents in public housing, while paying large dividends to taxpayers,” said SMHA Executive Director Richard Homenick. “NYSERDA provides an essential public service, and has been very responsive to our needs.”
The project encompasses six different SMHA apartment complexes made up of more than 1,000 units. Improvements included the installation of:
- High-efficiency heating and air-conditioning systems
- Programmable thermostats for each apartment
- ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerators
- Air-sealing measures
- Low-flow showerheads, aerators and toilets
- Energy-efficient lighting upgrades, including distributing more than 5,300 ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent light bulbs to the residents, and
- Health and safety measures, such as carbon monoxide detectors.
In addition to the financial and technical assistance from NYSERDA, SHMA is also receiving weatherization funds from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. To date, SMHA has received $600,000 for insulation improvements to three of its properties and is expected to receive more weatherization funding through federal stimulus dollars soon.
DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said, “Funding for energy conservation is an investment that will save the state and taxpayers money and help to reduce our energy consumption. DHCR is proud to have provided $600,000 through the Weatherization Assistance Program that will help make 384 apartments in Lincoln Heights, Yates Village and Steinmetz Apartments more energy efficient.”
The total cost to fully implement the energy improvements at SMHA is more than $7 million. To help offset the cost of the project, SMHA also received a $6.2 million dollar loan from Bank of America. Using NYSERDA’s New York Energy $martSM Loan Fund, a program that buys down loan interest rates by up to four percent, SMHA received an additional incentive of $947,000 for the Bank of America loan.
Rep. Paul Tonko said, “I want to applaud Governor Paterson and President Murray for understanding the importance of this investment towards the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority. These energy efficiency upgrades will save money, boost the local economy and help the environment. We must continue to drill and mine energy efficiency as an important element in fighting climate change as well as enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Schenectady and beyond.”
“This is a great investment for the Capital Region,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. “This investment will help more homes cut emissions and cut energy costs, helping to improve our environment and help more families save money. Making smarter, energy saving homes will help more New York families save and get back on track, and help rebuild our economy for the long term.”
“I congratulate the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority for taking the initiative to invest in their aging housing stock. Having updated, energy efficient housing is a vital, cost saving investment that will bring returns for years to come. As a way to improve the quality of life for residents and create much needed jobs, this project has far reaching benefits for everyone. The fact that we can be both environmentally and fiscally motivated is a great success,” said Assemblyman George Amedore.
For more information about NYSERDA’s energy efficiency programs, visit www.nyserda.org or call 1-866-NYSERDA.
CONTACT: Colleen Ryan, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, ext 3359
cqr (at) nyserda (dot) org
