RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, April 24, 2002
CONTACT: Colleen Quinn, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090 ext. 3359.
Energy $mart Communities Program Launched in the North Country
Albany, NY -- The New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (NYSERDA), announced today the launch of its
New York Energy $martSM Communities Program in the
North Country. This program assists with a whole range of energy-related
community projects to improve energy efficiency to help create economic,
environmental and social benefits to communities. This program was
developed to work along side the U.S. Department of Energy's Rebuild
America Program.
"Governor Pataki has made it a priority for State government
to partner with local communities to address energy, economic, and
environmental issues," said William M. Flynn, President of NYSERDA.
"Through our Energy $mart Communities program, energy improvements
can be identified and implemented through financial and technical
assistance."
The program has been in progress since 1998 under NYSERDA's New
York Energy $martSM program, with partnerships growing
throughout the State of New York such as Energy $mart Communities
Capital/Saratoga, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Southern
Tier, Western New York, and now the North Country.
The coordinator for the North County program, Ann Heidenreich of
Community Energy Services, said, "If we calculated our total
energy expenditures for the North Country, we would find that our
collective energy bill is huge. Saving even a small percentage of
this through simple energy efficiency measures would contribute significantly
to our economy. I am looking forward to working with communities across
the North Country to explore ways to improve our economy and enhance
quality of life by cutting our energy bills."
NYSERDA will be present as one of the sponsors of the North Country
Sustainable Energy Fair this weekend, April 27th held at McKenney
Middle School on State Street in Canton. Representatives from NYSERDA,
as well as Ann Heidenreich, North County regional coordinator, will
be there presenting information on New York Energy $martSM
Communities, along with other programs NYSERDA offers. The fair begins
at 10am on Saturday. A hospitality room will be set up for press to
enjoy coffee and bagels after opening remarks at 10am. Afterward,
the media will be welcome to circulate and take in the exhibits and
other activities at the fair.
New York Energy $martSM programs are designed
to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the
State's electric utilities move to competition. The 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 the funds and programs under
an agreement with the Public Service Commission.
For more information on NYSERDA visit our web sites, NYSERDA.org
and GetEnergySmart.org,
or call toll-free 1-866-NYSERDA. To learn about financial and technical
assistance to help with energy-efficient projects in the North Country,
contact Ann Heidenreich at 315-379-0959 or ces@northnet.org
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