2004

FOR RELEASE: Immediately March 22, 2004
CONTACT: Peter Sigurdson (NYSERDA) 716-842-1522, ext. 3006

Newfane Central School District Partners with NYSERDA, Receives $293,119 for Energy-Efficiency Measures

Newfane, NY -- The Newfane Central School District (CSD) has partnered with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to implement energy-efficient measures as part of renovation work at three of the district's buildings, including the installation of a state-of-the-art geothermal heating-cooling system.

"NYSERDA has partnered with hundreds of school districts across New York State and is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the Newfane Central School District in achieving energy-efficiency and cost-savings as part of its renovation work," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith.

"The NYSERDA incentive was part of the original cost out planning for the capital project. Mr. Al Evans, Director of Facilities and Operations, worked to assure that all conditions were met to bring the incentive to full completion," said Dr. James N. Mills, Superintendent, Newfane Central School District.

"The geothermal system will provide the District's Elementary School complex with efficient, low-cost heating and cooling. Our original calculations projected significant long-term savings. NYSERDA has been a significant partner in helping District personnel cost out savings and implement the plan," Superintendent Mills added.

NYSERDA, through its New York Energy $mart^SM New Construction Program, provided incentives for energy-efficiency measures implemented at the district's Early Childhood Center as well as the Middle Intermediate and Elementary schools.

Incentives included $17,919 for the installation of a direct digital control energy management system, high-efficiency lighting and rooftop ventilation system at the Early Childhood Center, $25,200 for the installation of a direct digital control energy management system at the Middle Intermediate School, and $250,000 for the installation of a closed-loop geothermal ground source heat pump heating and cooling system at the Elementary School.

The school district had expressed a desire to install a geothermal heat pump as part of an overall energy-efficient building upgrade. Geothermal technology uses the Earth's relatively constant underground temperatures as either a heat source or heat sink, thereby providing a constant, reliable and cost-effective source of heating and cooling.

It is estimated that by installing the recommended geothermal heating-cooling system, the Newfane CSD will realize an annual reduction of electrical energy consumption of approximately 641,204 kWh annually, or a savings of $65,096 a year.
Since 1998, NYSERDA has provided more than $26 million to support more than 500 projects in Erie and Niagara Counties. Combined with co-funding from NYSERDA's partners, the value of these projects is more than $65 million. Among some of the other customers NYSERDA is working with in Erie and Niagara Counties, are: State University of New York at Buffalo; Niagara County Community College; Our Lady of Peace Skilled Nursing Facility; Veridian Engineering, Inc.; Quebecor; Kreher's Poultry Farm; and HSBC Bank USA.

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

Additional information about these programs can be obtained at www.nyserda.org or 1-866-NYSERDA.

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