2006

FOR RELEASE:  Immediate     
CONTACT:  Mayor's Office
Tuesday, December 5, 2006                                                                         
(518)382-500

Mayor Stratton- Schenectady Gets Energy Smart Through Holiday Lighting, Projects

SCHENECTADY - Today, Mayor Brian U. Stratton lights the City Hall Holiday Tree and Historic Rotunda Staircase with over 1,000 Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs that will reduce energy consumption, improve the environment and reduce taxpayer energy costs.

"These lights are not only beautiful and energy efficient, but also last up to 20 years reducing replacement costs. I urge others to follow our lead and think 'green' when it comes to decorating this holiday season," Mayor Stratton said. 

Peter R. Smith, President and CEO of NYSERDA said, "Now is that festive time of year when many New Yorkers decorate their homes and businesses with holiday lighting. This ages-old tradition can lead to added energy costs, but there are other options to help reduce them. LED holiday lighting uses 80 - 90% less energy than standard holiday lights, which makes it a more cost-effective alternative. Schenectady's City Hall will save more than $100 in energy costs this holiday season, and for many seasons to come, just by switching to LED lighting."

The LED's were donated by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation.  They are just one example of what the city is doing to save energy and reduce its' operating costs.   

"This is a perfect time to celebrate the holiday season and ring in a new era of state-of-the-art lighting technology displayed right here in the Electric City," said Assemblyman Paul Tonko. "Mayor Stratton, the City Council, NYSERDA, Capital Saratoga Energy $mart Communities and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement District should be applauded for their collaboration and vision in making this an 'energy smart' City, which will protect taxpayers, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help make our environment cleaner and healthier."

  "Schenectady has engaged the services of Siemens Building Technologies through NYSERDA's Enhanced Commercial and Industrial Performance Program to facilitate energy efficiency projects citywide," said Mayor Stratton. "These projects will reduce energy consumption here in city hall and all city buildings, and lower energy costs, making it more affordable for businesses - big and small - to operate in Schenectady."

"We estimate that energy improvements will save taxpayers $6.4 million over the next 18 years," Mayor Stratton added.

"Everybody wins with this project," said Tom Garrett, Siemens Senior Account Executive. "Schenectady taxpayers win reduced energy costs.  The community wins improved local air quality.  City Hall wins stabilized finances and more comfortable facilities for the people who work or visit there."

The City of Schenectady and NYSERDA are collaborating on other ways residents and businesses can become more energy efficient year-round.  Here is just a sample:        

·        The Schenectady Department of Social Services and New York Energy $mart^SM Communities Coordinator Mark DeChiro worked with NYSRERDA to develop a system to refer low-income utility customers to NYSERDA's EmPower^SM New York program.

·        Better Neighborhoods Incorporated and the City Housing Department are working with New York Energy $mart^SM Communities to improve energy efficiency in homes through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Program.

·        The New York Energy $mart^SM Energy Audit Program is being promoted through the Downtown Schenectady Business Improvement Corporation, the Business Development Group and the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce to businesses that are interested in operating more energy efficient.

·        Proctors Theater is receiving assistance through the New Construction Program and Flexible Technical Assistance Program.

·        Schenectady County Public Library is saving $38,000 annually in electric costs due to implementing improvements suggested from a comprehensive energy assessment through NYSERDA's Enhanced Commercial and Industrial Performance Program. 

The City is also installing more energy efficient lighting, a new boiler to reduce heating costs at City Hall, an automated energy management system, new, longer-lasting technology in traffic signals; and new air handling motors that operate only when needed as opposed to 24 hours a day.  In future years, savings from these improvements will approach $200,000 a year.

"We have a lot to celebrate this year and look forward to improving Schenectady's energy efficiency as we move down the path for a more energy-efficient economy. We also look forward to growing our relationship with NYSERDA as the City of Schenectady becomes a model of a modern, energy-efficient, city," said Mayor Stratton.

"Partnerships are key to the success of every community endeavor, and the lighting of the Schenectady City Hall and Historic Staircase is a perfect example of a working partnership.  The City of Schenectady has participated in many NYSERDA programs, and this Holiday Lighting Project has brought the City and Mayor Brian Stratton, the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation, and Assemblyman Paul Tonko, Chairman of the Assembly Standing Committee on Energy, together with NYSERDA to brighten the Holiday Season for the people of Schenectady - the Electric City," said Smith.

For more information on NYSERDA and its programs, visit www.nyserda.org or call 1-866-NYSERDA.

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc is a worldwide company that helps customers improve the comfort and productivity of their facilities while making them less costly to operate.  It has several similar performance contracts throughout Central and Western New York.