RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, September 25, 2002
CONTACT: Tom Collins
1-(866)-NYSERDA, ext. 3250.
Sullivan County Commmunity College Invests in Geothermal
Heat Pump System
Loch Sheldrake, NY– Sullivan County Community College (SCCC)
has received a $250,000 incentive from the New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for the installation of a geothermal
heat pump system. Providing heating and cooling to 170,000 square
feet of space for ten buildings, the new system uses the near constant
temperature of the earth to heat the buildings in the winter and cool
them in the summer.
The building space includes offices, classrooms, kitchens, libraries
and a faculty lounge. NYSERDA's analysis concluded that the geothermal
system would save the College more than 420,000 kWh annually, or enough
energy to power more than 70 homes for a year. SCCC is also expected
to reduce operating costs by $74,000 per year as a result of the new
geothermal system.
"Geothermal Heat Pumps are becoming increasingly popular because
they are a cost-effective and environmentally sound," said NYSERDA
President William M. Flynn. "As a result of this installation,
the College will reduce their overall heating and cooling costs, provide
a comfortable atmosphere for students and faculty and help the environment
without the use of fossil fuels. This is the type of technology Governor
Pataki envisions for New York State to be a leader in promoting cleaner,
renewable energy sources that ultimately save customers money."
Friedman-Fisher Associates, consulting engineers for SCCC, designed
the geothermal system, which consisted of 132 water-to-air and five
(5) water-to-water heat pumps supplied by a well field with 200 vertical
wells dug 410 feet in the earth. NYSERDA provided SCCC a technical
analysis of the proposed conducted by the Albany office of Science
Applications International who also reviewed the installed system
to assure NYSERDA and SCCC that it operated consistent with the design
and delivered the energy savings expected. Wayne Levitt, director
of buildings and grounds for SCCC was instrumental in coordinating
with everyone on the analysis and getting the geothermal system up
and running. The total cost of the project was more than $4.4 million
dollars.
State Senator John J. Bonacic said, "The use of cleaner, renewable
energy will help the environment and save the College money. I am
pleased that NYSERDA could assist SCCC with this project."
NYSERDA offers technical and financial assistance to evaluate and
design energy-efficient and renewable energy options. The customer
receives cash back for installing cost-effective electric efficiency
measures in new or substantially renovated buildings. Additional incentives
are available to make the building "green" by installing
renewable technologies.
"The College is grateful for the NYSERDA grant in the amount
of $250,000 used to offset part of the cost to install the geothermal
system in the college," said Sullivan County Community College
President Dr. Mamie Howard Golladay. We believe that the college will
realize significant savings on energy costs in the long run. But,
now the faculty, staff, and students also have a very comfortable
environment, both in winter and summer, in which to work and learn."
Since 1998, NYSERDA has provided more than $1.2 million
to support 38 projects in Sullivan County. Combined with co-funding
from NYSERDA's partners, the value of these projects is nearly $3
million. Among some of the other customers NYSERDA has worked with
in Sullivan County include Community Bank of Sullivan County, Days
Inn of Liberty, Sullivan County Department of Waste, and Monticello
Central School District.
Funding for this project comes from NYSERDA's New York Energy $martSM
program, which is designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging
energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition.
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.
All New York Energy $martSM 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.
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