For Release: February 12, 2003
CONTACT: Peter Sigurdson (716) 842-1522, ext 3006
Western Regional OTB Bets Energy Efficiencies
Will Pay Off In Long-Term Savings
NYSERDA provides $47,394 in financial incentives
Batavia, NY - The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation
(OTB) is betting that energy efficiency measures made available through
the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
will save more than $24,000 annually in energy costs at its newly
renovated Grandstand Building at Batavia Downs.
NYSERDA provided $32,194 in funding under the New Construction Program
to help incorporate a series of energy efficiency measures in the
renovation of the 165,000-square-foot Grandstand Building. In addition,
$15,200 in financial incentives were made available through the Smart
Equipment Choices Program for upgrades to energy-efficient windows,
fluorescent lighting fixtures and exit signs in the existing barn
and paddock area.
"The Western Regional OTB made a sure bet when they decided
to utilize NYSERDA's New Construction Program incentives. This program
is specifically designed to provide financial incentives to utilize
the most energy-efficient products and processes when constructing
a new facility or, in this case, undertaking a significant renovation
effort," said NYSERDA Acting President Peter R. Smith.
"We are in the horse racing business but there is no question
that the NYSERDA programs would be a winner for us at Batavia Downs.
We got NYSERDA involved early in our project and the application process
was clear and straightforward," WNY OTB Vice President of Administration
Michael D. Kane said.
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) undertook an
evaluation of electric energy efficiency opportunities specified for
the major renovation of the Batavia Downs Grandstand. The 165,000
square foot building will house the OTB administrative offices, restaurants,
simulcast room, OTB telephone betting services, kitchen, lounge, print
shop, clubhouse and enclosed spectator grandstand.
Smith said that new energy-efficient lighting systems, chillers,
cooling towers, boilers, pumps and air-handling units will be installed
along with some packaged direct expansion cooling systems. Space cooling
capacity will be provided by three 160-ton (each) water-cooled reciprocating
chillers. A two-cell cooling tower will be installed to reject heat
from the chillers, and the chilled water plant will include a heat
exchanger and controls for a waterside economizer.
In addition, Smith said a number of custom measures were installed
as well, including a digitally controlled energy management system;
ventilation air volume controls with carbon dioxide sensors; enthalpy
economizers on air- handling systems; a waterside economizer; variable
speed secondary hot water pumping system; and high-performance window
glazing for the administrative offices.
Using the New York Energy $martSM New Construction
Program, the Western Regional OTB will achieve energy and demand savings
of 99,363 kilowatt hours and 27.3 kilowatts annually. Annual cost
savings are estimated at $9,539 for electricity and $14,456 for natural
gas, for a total savings of $24,084.
All New York Energy $martSM programs are funded
by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers
of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland,
and Rochester Gas and Electric. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation
established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under
an agreement with the Public Service Commission.
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 available
to electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional,
and industrial) who pay into the SBC.
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