NYSERDA Press Releases

Syracuse University Invests $1.8 Million To Improve Energy Efficiency
State Awards More Than $570,000 For Upgrades

Syracuse, NY– Syracuse University and the New York State Energy Research and development Authority (NYSERDA) have partnered on a $1.8 million dollar project to improve energy efficiency at the campus. NYSERDA is providing $522,320 for the installation of a new chiller, which will provide cooling to the University and reduce its annual energy costs by nearly $150,000.

"Syracuse University is one of the leading universities in the nation and an asset to higher education in New York. With that said, I am proud that NYSERDA could assist the University in reducing its energy costs," said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn. "This project illustrates Governor Pataki's determination to help New York's institutions, municipalities and businesses cut costs through energy efficiency."

"Carrier is proud to have been selected by Syracuse University to install a new, high efficiency chiller that uses non-ozone depleting refrigerant," said Tony Guzzi, president of Carrier's North America Distribution & Service business unit. "This project is yet another example of the highly effective programs NYSERDA and Governor Pataki deliver to help New York State consumers make smart energy choices."

"This project is a prime example of Governor Pataki's creative approach to the energy issues facing New York's institutions and businesses," said Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann. "By seeking the assistance of NYSERDA, Syracuse University was able to install innovative, energy-efficient equipment and save money at the same time."

"I applaud the decision by Syracuse University to take this step toward reducing their energy costs," said Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli. "I've been working to keep energy costs in check for consumers and families and would encourage others to take advantage of the assistance available through NYSERDA. Programs like this combined with initiatives like Power for Jobs and the successful Empire Zone Program will continue to help create new jobs for Central New York families."

"New York State, through the NYSERDA Program, has been an invaluable partner with Syracuse University in our energy conservation efforts," said Steve Lloyd, associate director for energy at Syracuse University. "The goal from the inception has been to maintain the current levels of comfort to our residents and staff, all the while conserving resources. Syracuse University's partnership with NYSERDA has allowed us to realize some of our goals. We look forward to continuing and expanding our relationship with NYSERDA. We thank them and New York State for their assistance."

As the energy service company for the University, the Carrier Corporation was instrumental in assisting the University with installation and start-up of the new chiller. Rather than using electricity, the new chiller is driven by a steam turbine, which will help the University avoid added electricity costs. More than 1.8 million kWh or enough electricity to power more than 300 homes for a year will be avoided as a result of this installation.

This project was done through NYSERDA's Commercial/Industrial Performance Program, which provides financial incentives to energy service companies and engineering firms that work with municipal, industrial, and commercial utility customers to identify and implement energy-saving strategies. The incentives, combined with the energy savings, help to pay for the capital improvements. The level of incentives that NYSERDA provides depends on the level of energy savings achieved in a given project as well as the types of efficiency measures implemented.

In addition to the new chiller, NYSERDA also provided $50,000 for two studies: one that established the feasibility of the chiller improvements and a rate analysis and aggregation project. Through the aggregation study, Syracuse University installed new meters to track energy use. The study also found that by strategically placing a number of meters throughout the campus, the University can track time of day energy use. The information will then be used to develop a Request For Proposal for the purchase of electricity commodity on the competitive market. An additional benefit will be that the University will be able to assess its energy consumption on a weekly and monthly basis. This data can then be used to help decrease future energy consumption.

Since 1998, NYSERDA has provided more than $7 million to support more than 185 projects in Onondaga County. Combined with co-funding from NYSERDA's partners, the value of these projects is more than $21 million. Among some of the other customers NYSERDA is working with in Onondaga County, are: LeMoyne College, eBidenergy.com Inc., Carrier Corporation, HSBC Bank USA and Kaufmans.

Funding for these projects came from NYSERDA's New York Energy $mart^SM 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 $mart^SM 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. Additional information about these programs can be obtained at www.nyserda.org or 1-866-NYSERDA.

###