2006

FOR RELEASE:        January 24, 2006
CONTACT:              Thomas Collins, NYSERDA
                              (518) 862-1090 ext. 3250

NYSERDA Funding Promotes New Lighting Technologies for New York State

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded nearly $200,000 to EPRI Solutions, Inc., a subsidiary of the Electric Power Research Institute, to validate and demonstrate an electronic ballast technology for high intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems.

The goals of the EPRI Solutions, Inc. project will be introducing electronic HID ballasts to New York State, field testing the new systems, and ensuring the electronic HID system is compatible with New York's public power system. The benefits of this project will be a more energy efficient lighting system.

HID lamps use an arc between two electrodes in a gas-filled tube to cause metallic vapor to emit energy. There are three main types of HID lamps: mercury vapor, metal halide, and high-pressure sodium. HID lighting is generally used to illuminate larger areas for long periods of time, finding use in warehouses, gymnasiums, and street lamps. Ballasts provide the electric requirements to start the gas discharge and limit the flow of electric current. Electromagnetic ballasts are the most commonly used, but pull heavily on the world's iron and copper resources, are less energy efficient, are less immune to electrical disturbances, and larger and heavier than electronic ballasts.  

 "NYSERDA works diligently to foster technology growth and innovation to the benefit of New York energy consumers," said NYSERDA President, Peter R. Smith. "EPRI Solutions' project will work to improve HID lighting performance by increasing its energy efficiency."

According to Mike Howard, President and CEO of EPRI Solutions, "Commercial and industrial customers who must have reliable HID lighting systems also consider improved power quality performance an important financial metric for new energy-efficient technologies."

"NYSERDA continues to support the introduction of new technologies that can replace older, less efficient products," added Smith.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is a public benefit corporation created by the State Legislature in 1975. The Authority's mission is to help solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. In addition to helping develop and commercialize new and innovative technologies and products, it also invests in energy efficiency and clean renewable energy technologies to help provide the State with safe and affordable energy.

For more information about NYSERDA's programs and funding call 1-866-NYSERDA or visit www.nyserda.org.

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