2005

RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACT: Jean Donovan, 1-866-NYSERDA, ext. 3516 or jmd@nyserda.org

EARLVILLE FREE LIBRARY LIGHTING UPGRADES PROVIDE GLARE-FREE ENVIRONMENT FOR PATRONS
New Effective, Energy-Efficient Lighting also Helps to Lower Electric Bills by Approximately $1,400 Annually

Earlville, NY (March 8, 2005) - The Earlville Free Library located on Main Street in Earlville, Madison County, is ranked seventh in the nation by Hennen's American Public Library Ratings for libraries serving towns with a population of less than 1,000. The Library Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Patty Grossmann, Board President, is always finding ways to save money and make improvements for patrons. Now they have taken another step that makes this library stand out as a model for others.

Through a partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA's) New York Energy $mart^SM Small Commercial Lighting Program (SCLP), City Electric of Syracuse, TLC Lighting of Syracuse, and All-Phaze Electric of Whitesboro, the library invested in a lighting design that provides uniform, glare-free lighting which is comfortable to the eye and provides patrons with a new, higher level of comfort. All three local companies are trained professionals working with the Small Commercial Lighting Program. Both City Electric and TLC Lighting developed a design layout and specification that meets the SCLP's design criteria for this project. All-Phaze Electric was awarded the construction contract to install the new lighting system in Earlville Free Library's 3,600-square- foot renovation project.

Patty Grossmann stated, "The lighting is really great! It's easy on the eyes and easy to read by. Plus, the month after the new lights were installed our electric bill was half of what it was the month before, much of which is due to the new lights. We are determined that whatever is done be done as energy efficiently as possible, and we are grateful for NYSERDA's assistance and the expertise of the Small Commercial Lighting Program's professionals."

Peter R. Smith, President of NYSERDA said, "Whether you are a large or small institution, NYSERDA has a program that will assist you. The new lighting system in the Earlville Free Library is a fine example of what can be achieved when energy-efficiency and client service become a priority. Through its efforts the Library will save 12,800 kWh annually, and this relates to a $1,400 savings in energy costs. I commend the Board of Trustees for recognizing the need to use energy efficiently, and provide its patrons with improved lighting."

The project consisted of replacing T-12 four-lamp wrap-around fixtures with two-lamp and three-lamp low-glare linear fluorescent direct/indirect pendant-mounted fixtures using high color-rendering T-8 lamps. The result is lighting that is brighter, yet easier on the eye, providing patrons with a new level of comfort whether they are browsing the stacks of books or reading a periodical.

The New York Energy $mart^SM Small Commercial Lighting Program promotes effective, energy-efficient lighting by providing training and assistance to lighting contractors, designers, manufacturers, and distributors in designing and installing these systems in areas of approximately 25,000 square feet or less. The program seeks to increase the availability and sales of energy-efficient lighting products, and to educate building owners and managers on the benefits of this lighting.

NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975. It identifies and promotes solutions to New York State's energy challenges in ways that achieve energy efficiency while benefitting the State's economy and environment. It administers the New York Energy $mart^SM program that benefits all ratepayers of the investor owned electric companies across the New York State. For more information, visit www.nyserda.org.

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