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He noted that the Power Authority has had a major role in the state’s energy-efficiency efforts, undertaking more than 1,200 energy-efficiency projects, from lighting upgrades to new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, at public facilities. The projects have resulted in over $80 million a year of recurring savings for taxpayers through the state.

Wright, who represents St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Oswego counties, said: “We’re proud to have partnered with the Power Authority in advancing several excellent projects that have achieved significant savings, providing the three counties with more than $1.6 million a year in additional money for essential services. That’s a real plus during tight fiscal times, when public officials must make difficult choices on spending priorities.”

NYPA has completed a total of 18 energy-efficiency projects in Wright’s district and nearby areas. The projects are located at public schools; State University of New York campuses at Oswego and Potsdam; Clarkson University, in Potsdam; and the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown.

Looking ahead, the Power Authority’s contributions to improving the state’s energy efficiency are likely to grow, said Wright, citing Governor Pataki’s Executive Order 111, requiring all state buildings to reduce energy use by 35 percent by 2010.

“Given its expertise and experience, the Power Authority is all but certain to be key in making this happen,” he said.

MODEL OF EFFICIENCY
The Power Authority’s office building in White Plains may look like other corporate and government buildings, but its advanced heating, cooling and lighting equipment has made it a model of energy efficiency.

The Power Authority undertook a $3.8 million program in 2002 to lower the 17-story building’s energy use. The initiative was part of NYPA’s efforts under Gov. George E. Pataki to reduce energy consumption at public facilities throughout the state.

The Clarence D. Rappleyea Building, named for a former NYPA chairman, has already achieved mandated energy reductions—and then some. It uses less than half as much energy as it did in 1990 as a result of the 2002 program and earlier measures.

Two new 460-ton chillers and upgraded heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment are major elements of the latest improvements. Other modifications in 2002 included high-efficiency lighting, occupancy sensors in offices and open areas, an automated energy management system and silver-tint film on windows to cut glare and summer heat.

These measures are projected to lower the building’s electricity demand by more than 5 million kilowatt-hours a year, while saving over $400,000 and reducing emissions to the air by more than 4,100 tons.

NYPA is also leading the way in demonstrating new, clean energy technologies at the building. A roof-mounted solar energy system is capable of delivering 5.5 kilowatts (kw), and a natural gas-fueled microturbine, no bigger than a refrigerator, produces 28 kw of additional power. In addition, charging stations in the building’s garage power a fleet of zero-emission electric vehicles.

POLICE WORK
The Power Authority provided a boost to New York’s Finest in 2002 with energy-efficiency improvements in 25 New York Police Department (NYPD) precincts that are expected to lower the department’s electric bills by about $315,000 a year.

The measures largely involved replacing existing lighting fixtures with new fluorescent bulbs that use about a quarter of the electricity, even as they enhance illumination. NYPA also installed new roofing and double-paned windows for improved insulation, and a new chiller to cool summer temperatures at a Brooklyn precinct.

“We greatly appreciate what the Power Authority has done to help us manage our tight budgets and improve working conditions,” said Lt. George Palesano of the NYPD’s Administrative Services Division. “The enhanced energy efficiency helps free up money for crime prevention and law enforcement, at a time when all city agencies are being challenged to make do with less.”

The Power Authority spent nearly $2.5 million on the precinct improvements, and expects to recover the costs over a 10-year period by sharing in the annual savings. After the costs are fully recouped, further savings will go entirely to the department.

The work completed in 2002 included improvements in downtown Manhattan at One Police Plaza, the command center for NYPD operations.

The Power Authority also got started on energy-efficiency improvements in 20 other New York City police precincts and the police academy. Those projects, scheduled for completion in 2003, are expected to result in additional savings of more than a half million dollars a year.

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