New Measure at Civic Center in Rochester Saves $750,000 in Annual Energy Costs
ROCHESTER – July 24, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The New York Power Authority and Monroe County today announced the completion of a $15.2 million energy efficiency project at the Monroe County Civic Center that will save more than $750,000 in annual energy costs.
The upgrades at the Rochester facility will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 3,600 tons a year—the equivalent of removing roughly 750 cars from the road.
These measures are being carried out under Governor Andrew Cuomo’s BuildSmart NY program, a statewide initiative to increase energy efficiency in public buildings and are also part of New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision, a plan to build a statewide energy system that is clean, resilient and affordable for all New Yorkers.
Richard Kauffman, Chairman of Energy and Finance for New York, said, “Getting more clean-energy technologies into our State’s public buildings is a great way to help us meet our statewide energy efficiency and emissions reductions goals. We’re proud to be leading these efforts –which as one of our many REV initiatives—are lowering costs while creating new economic growth opportunities and a cleaner environment for all New Yorkers.”
NYPA provided financing to Monroe County for the project, with $390,000 in rebates coming from Rochester Electric & Gas (RG&E) and $157,000 coming from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
“These upgrades will save energy and tax dollars,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and chief executive officer. “NYPA is excited to be a part of projects like this one because they provide ideal opportunities for us to help our customers achieve their energy goals.”
“In an effort to continue to protect local taxpayers through reduced energy costs, Monroe County is proud to have played an important role in this project, which will have a significant and positive impact,” said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. “This project not only demonstrates our commitment to being ethical stewards of the local environment, but shows how we continue to embrace green initiatives that ultimately protect our community for future generations.”
The project, which began last year, includes the installation of high-efficiency lighting, chilled water control valves, controls for the air handling system, motors, and a micro-steam turbine. In addition, the improvements feature an 85-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array, which is part of the Governor’s NY-Sun initiative to scale solar deployment across the state.
“This partnership reduces energy use, decreases operational costs and improves the environment, as New York State implements Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers,” said John B. Rhodes, NYSERDA president and chief executive officer. “The positive impact of this project will continue for many years to come.”
“The new high-tech lighting will conserve approximately 1.3 million kilowatt hours of energy per year,” said Mark S. Lynch, NYSEG and RG&E president and chief executive officer. “Implementing energy-saving measures like these will not only reduce the loads on our grid and help shrink the carbon footprint, they’ll save Monroe County taxpayers nearly $200,000 per year in lighting costs; and that’s exactly what our energy efficiency programs are designed to achieve.”
About NYPA:
NYPA is the nation’s largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, and LinkedIn.
About Reforming the Energy Vision:
Under Governor Cuomo’s strategic initiative Reforming the Energy Vision, (REV) New York State spurs clean energy innovation, brings in new investments, and improves consumer choice while protecting the environment and energizing New York’s economy. By unleashing innovation, overcoming markets barriers and empowering communities, New York is pioneering a new statewide approach, giving customers greater opportunities for energy savings, local power generation, and enhanced reliability. New Yorkers will benefit by access to a safe, clean and affordable energy infrastructure that creates jobs and provides economic development.
Contact:
Paul DeMichele | Paul.DeMichele (at) nypa (dot) gov | (914) 390-8186
