NEWS
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NYPA Chief Cites Link Between Goals for Energy, Environment, Economy Contact: September 25, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SYRACUSE—New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy S. Carey said Monday that major energy, environmental and economic goals can be compatible and should be pursued as part of a concerted effort involving government and the private sector. Speaking at the 6th Annual Empire Energy & Environmental Exposition at the Oncenter Complex, Carey cited the challenges of fighting global warming and other threats to the environment, cutting dependence on imported oil and meeting growing demand for “the reliable, affordable power that’s essential to economic growth.” “Fortunately, these requirements need not be in conflict,” Carey said. “They can be complementary. And our efforts to clean the air and replace foreign oil can themselves create important new economic opportunities.” Carey said these points are underscored by various Power Authority programs, under Gov. George E. Pataki’s leadership, to promote energy efficiency, new energy technologies and clean transportation. Most of these programs, he said, involve NYPA cooperation with government agencies and private businesses. He announced that NYPA recently passed the $1 billion mark for overall investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects at schools and other public facilities throughout New York State and is on course to exceed $100 million for such investments in 2006. “We’ve worked with more than 220 manufacturers, contractors and other vendors on energy efficiency projects,” said Carey, who noted that NYPA has completed work at about 2,400 facilities statewide. “As many as 400 workers from outside the Power Authority have been involved at any given time. So the economic benefits are clear—along with those directly related to energy and the environment.” Carey told the audience of energy professionals and business and government leaders that the Power Authority is seeking LEED certification, for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, from the U.S. Green Building Council for its administrative office building in White Plains. In addition to major energy efficiency measures already completed, the project includes actions to cut water use, improve indoor air circulation and, in line with an Executive Order by Governor Pataki, use environmentally friendly cleaning products. “I urge each of you with a hand in the construction of new buildings or the refurbishment of existing ones—residential or commercial—to help make New York State a leader in sustainable development and in marketing and implementing green technology,” Carey said. Carey said the Power Authority has installed 14 fuel cells and nearly 25 solar photovoltaic projects in various parts of New York State. In other major activities, he said NYPA: Plans to provide nearly five megawatts of fuel cell capacity at the new World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, in what will be one of the world’s largest fuel cell installations. The Power Authority will also help in meeting most of the complex’s remaining power needs through renewable energy purchases and will finance energy efficiency measures. Is playing a key role in Governor Pataki’s program to encourage private-sector development of one or more clean-coal power plants in New York State. Intends to carry out a “Hydropower to Hydrogen” program in which hydroelectric power would be used, in an emission-free process, to produce hydrogen as a fuel for transportation. The program, Carey said, could help to create “a vibrant hydrogen industry in New York State while advancing energy research and economic growth.” Is helping to demonstrate a concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle—DaimlerChrysler’s Sprinter van—with the goal of eventually bringing such vehicles to the commercial market. Plug-in hybrids, which can operate in an all-electric or hybrid mode and draw some of their electricity directly from the power grid, are expected to be more efficient and cleaner than standard hybrid vehicles. 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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