NEWS
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First Project Under NYPA’s Power to Schools Energy Program Completed in Albany with State Roll-Out of Program Announced Contact January 11, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced today that it has completed a $268,000 energy efficiency project at the City School District of Albany’s district office in Academy Park and is in the process of implementing a $2.1 million energy efficiency project at Albany High School on Washington Avenue. The school district is the first in New York State to complete a project under NYPA’s Power to Schools Program. “Saving energy is a great way to save money and benefit the environment,” said Timothy S. Carey, NYPA President and CEO. “The City School District of Albany, with help from the New York Power Authority, will save $131,000 annually as a result of energy efficiency measures. The District’s enhanced energy efficiency equates to annually saving 1,709 barrels of oil and avoiding 522 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.” Carey traveled to Albany to both recognize the energy efficiency efforts of the City of Albany School District and to also announce a campaign to increase state-wide awareness of NYPA’s Power to Schools program and what it can do to bring energy efficiency—and its related savings—to New York schools, public and private. The Power to Schools program, authorized by state law, enables NYPA to assist public and private elementary and secondary schools across the Empire State in managing energy costs through energy efficiency and shopping for the economical power in the competitive marketplace for electricity. Carey said a series of regional forums, beginning in Fishkill on January 23, will be held throughout the state to familiarize school officials with the program. “We were pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the New York Power Authority on the Power to Schools program,” said Dr. Eva Joseph, Albany Schools Superintendent. “The NYPA’s oversight and assistance helped us undertake a project that we otherwise might not have been able to do. As a result, we have seen reduced energy consumption, which is very important in terms of cost savings and reducing our impact on the environment.” "The State Education Department is proud to work with the New York Power Authority on promoting energy conservation at our public and private elementary and secondary schools across this state," said Commissioner Richard P. Mills. "Thanks to NYPA's Power to Schools program, schools can take advantage of an easy and cost effective way to become more energy efficient." Based on a NYPA energy audit, the City School District of Albany agreed to implement several energy-saving steps at its Academy Park offices and the High School. The measures include: Replacement of existing steam boilers at the Academy Building with two new energy efficient steam boilers. The boilers produce steam for heating and hot water in the building. Installation of a temperature control system at the Academy Building. The new system will include dual mode thermostats to reduce space temperature settings, night set-back capability, zonal control and steam traps that operate properly. Replacement of existing chillers at the High School. The new chillers will be 42 percent more efficient than the current equipment. Installation of a small circulation pump to provide for night set-back capability at the high school. This equipment will allow for temperature reduction on nights and weekends when usage is at a minimum. Replacement of current electric baseboard heating with hot water baseboard heating in the high school. Providing hot water to the baseboards will reduce electric consumption by 67 percent. The Academy Park office, constructed in 1816, was originally home to the Albany Boys Academy. The building was bought by the school district in 1935 and has served various functions. Albany High School, located at 700 Washington Avenue, was constructed in 1974 to address a growing student population, advancements in technology and education. Today, the school serves more than 2500 students in grades 9 – 12 and is accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School. Overall project costs will be financed through NYPA’s energy services program, allowing the school district to avoid up-front expenses and repay the financing costs over several years through a portion of its energy bill savings. The New York Power Authority has completed 1,500 energy efficiency projects in government buildings across New York State since 1990, saving $93 million in energy costs and reducing electricity consumption by some 890,000 megawatt-hours (mWh) annually. About NYPA: ■ NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy-efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. |
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