2004

RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, May 18, 2004
CONTACT: Ryan Moore, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090 ext. 3267

One Visit, Dozens of Energy-Saving Ideas

Albany, NY - Whether you're looking for expert advice on upgrading the energy efficiency of your home or if you're building a new home, you'll find a wealth of resources at www.GetEnergySmart.org, including tips that save energy and money. Every month, approximately 7,000 people visit the site to learn about New York Energy $mart^SM programs offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

New to the site is our Stay Cool! promotion, where you can find out where to bring an old room air conditioner to be recycled. Did you know that if you replace a room air conditioner that is 15 years old with an ENERGY STAR® unit, you'll save up to $56 per year on your utility bill? You'll also find a sizing chart to correctly size a new room air conditioner.

Remember - using a properly-sized air conditioner will provide better comfort and use less energy than one that's too big or small. And always look for the ENERGY STAR label on new appliance purchases.

You can find the following information at www.GetEnergySmart.org:

• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR - Find a list of Building Performance Institute- certified contractors to test your home and provide recommendations to improve its energy efficiency, which saves you money. They can even perform the work. Financing and subsidies are available.
• New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes - When you build a New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Home, you're getting a home that's more comfortable and uses 30 percent less energy than a home built to the current energy code.
• Assistance for owners of multifamily homes to reduce energy use.
• Information on how to partner with NYSERDA on our New York Energy $mart^SM programs.

For more information, visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call toll-free 1-866-NYSERDA.

All New York Energy $mart^SM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.

New York Energy $mart^SM programs are designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) who pay into the SBC.

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