Summer 2007

F ishkill…Albany…Utica…Auburn…Cobleskill…Power Authority energy-efficiency professionals are scheduling a growing number of open forums to brief public and private school officials on a major opportunity to save money and energy. An April 18 presentation at the Radisson Hotel, Utica, was typical. The forum was scheduled for school superintendents and facilities managers from Oneida, Herkimer, Madison and Lewis counties.

There they learned about a partnership between NYPA and the State Education Department, established by 2004 state legislation authorizing NYPA to help public and private schools in carrying out energy-efficiency projects and using clean energy technologies such as solar power and fuel cells. The Utica forum was well attended, and triggered plans for numerous follow-up meetings, based on high interest from Mohawk Valley school managers in the program.

NYPA oversees all phases of projects under the program, starting with an audit to identify energy-saving potential through installation of new lighting, boilers, chillers, room occupancy sensors, insulation, high-efficiency motors for heating and ventilation and/or other measures. The Authority will finance the work with low-interest loans, typically recovering its costs by sharing in a school district’s energy bill savings.

The Power Authority has completed projects at close to 1,200 public schools now saving taxpayers about $32 million a year. Closer to home, in just the four counties listed above, completed NYPA projects at 39 separate facilities have lowered annual energy costs by a total of $810,000. And throughout the wider 13-county Central New York area, energy efficiency projects at 142 school and school support buildings have reaped savings of more than $1.8 million each year.

The Power to Schools program builds on NYPA’s earlier efforts by authorizing eligibility for the state’s private school systems.

The first NYPA-directed project under the program was completed recently at the Albany School District’s offices in a historic 191-year-old building. There, NYPA replaced an inefficient steam boiler plant with two new boilers and installed a new temperature control system.

Benefits can multiply: when and where school budgets permit introducing clean energy technologies, students can learn, up close, about the environmental pluses of new solar panels on the roof…geothermal systems…fuel cells…or microturbines, each adaptable to school sites.

Cutting energy costs; lowering emission levels; reducing greenhouse gases—it’s a program NYPA enthusiastically backs. “Energy efficiency is vital, at all times and in all places,” said Timothy Carey, NYPA’s president. “But it’s particularly important in our schools, where every dollar not spent on energy can be spent directly for purely educational purposes, helping to meet critical needs while easing the burden on local taxpayers.”

(photo and caption - “Power to Schools” rolls out in Utica on April 18. Left, NYPA’s Andrea Phillips briefs Central New York school superintendents and facilities managers on energy savings opportunities through the new plan. Above, NYPA’s Ann Cianfrocco, community relations specialist, assists Robert Galliher, legislative aide to Assemblyman David Townsend, in gathering background for distribution elsewhere within Townsend’s district. The State Education Department is partnering with NYPA on the statewide public/private school program.)

SUNYIT & NYPA: Exploring Mutual Benefits

NYPA’s Clark Energy Center enjoys a close and beneficial working relationship with its Marcy neighbor, the State University of New York Institute of Technology (SUNYIT), the newest school in the SUNY system and the only one statewide with an IT focus.

Each year Power Authority staff participate in an annual SUNYIT Career Fair, one of the largest in the SUNY system, on the campus, home to about 2,500 students from New York State and 20 nations—who exist happily with an abundance of wild turkey and deer throughout a wooded 800-acre campus.

“For more than four years we’ve joined other regional employers at the fair to get to know selected students better, and to give them some insights on the Power Authority’s functions and role in supporting the state’s economy,” said Michele LaPorte, manager of human resources at Clark. That involvement has expanded in recent years. “Once a year we participate in a critique of student resumes. It’s called ‘Resumania,’ and, as it sounds, it’s both productive and enjoyable,” said LaPorte.

Then there’s a growing “Professionals-For-A-Day” program, which gives students the chance to “shadow” a professional employed in what may be his or her chosen career. It’s a full day of briefings, tours and videos, followed by an on-campus evening reception for host employers and students to share reactions and to network.

Perhaps the students’ perspectives tell it best, based on recent visits: (Hemangi Galinde, computer science major) “I was lucky enough to attend a live distance (video) conference where NYPA’s Marcy and White Plains offices were reviewing recent changes. I saw and talked with senior finance and IT officials…such events are very helpful and give ‘out of the classroom’ experience.”

(Nick Sinstack, electrical engineering major) “Vis-iting the Marcy control station allowed me to see the actual duties of engineers…This visit was excellent since high-voltage transmission is primarily the area I would like to work in...The employees went above and beyond to familiarize students with what they might expect in their field.”

NYPA management backs the program: “Clearly it’s a benefit to us to build awareness and understanding among these bright students as to what we do here, and possible opportunities for them,” said Gerry Larose, director of power system operations at Clark. “They benefit, as well, from up-close exposure to real-life work situations.”

“I agree; it works both ways,” said LaPorte. “They ask many good questions, showing they’ve done their homework. It’s a good chance for us to view possible interns, and for them to understand the industry better, which could help guide their career paths. We’ve hired interns from among student visitors, and they’ve all worked out well. It’s truly a mutually beneficial relationship.”

(Photo and caption - Above, NYPA’s Dave Finn, senior system information coordinator, and Steve Senus, chief system operator, show student Nanthivarman Jeganathan an introductory presentation, “Welcome to the Energy Control Center,” a summary of the center’s key role as the full-time “nerve center” for the Power Authority’s statewide transmission operations. The April visits marked NYPA’s fourth year of “Professionals-For-A-Day” participation.)

(Photo and caption - As SUNYIT students Vladimir Alvarado and Anny Torres watch, NYPA’s Brent Blanchard, seated, assistant electrical engineer, and Rich Mueller, right, senior engineer, explain functions of the Clark Energy Center’s computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. SCADA monitors statewide electricity flows and system security, giving Clark staff instant warning of system interruptions.)

This Summer: More Cruisin,’ Less Fuelin’

Again this summer, NYPA is promoting a gasoline-saving travel campaign to entice visitors and families to destinations close to its free-admission visitors centers at major power projects in the North Country’s Massena, Western New York’s Lewiston, and the Schoharie Valley’s North Blenheim.

Starting Memorial Day, free packets of information at each location will direct travelers to a host of nearby attractions to help plan a summer of memorable day trips. And don’t overlook the visitors centers themselves, each recently spruced up with hands-on exhibits on energy, electricity, regional history and the environment.

 • At Massena’s new Hawkins Point Visitors Center, first check the observation deck view of NYPA’s power dam, the St. Lawrence River and the Canadian shore. Robert Moses State Park—hiking, boating, camping, fishing—is right next door. Or picnic by the St. Lawrence Seaway as ocean-bound ships cruise by. Note: The musical “Dam Jam” is set for Aug. 10-11; antique trucks roll in Sept. 16. Information: 315-764-0226, x300 (N.Y. residents: 800-262-NYPA).

• Just north of Niagara Falls, in Lewiston, check out the Power Vista, atop NYPA’s massive Niagara Power Project, with sweeping views of the Niagara Gorge more than 350 feet below. Special dates: First 200 dads get a free Fathers Day gift, June 16; Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival, Aug. 24-26. Information: 866-NYPA-FUN.

• The Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center features a 2ž-mile Bluebird Trail. Next door is historic, elegant Lansing Manor. And nearby Mine Kill State Park includes pools, ball fields, hiking, boating and fishing. Special dates: antique, racing, custom cars and hot rods, June 10; vintage 19th-century baseball game, June 16; an Antiques Road Show, July 15. Information: 866-NYPA-FUN.

To keep you in an energy-saving frame of mind, each location will have free packets of energy-saving tips on how to keep cool this summer and warm come winter.

And while you’re on the road, schedule a day at the Great New York State Fair, Aug. 23 through Labor Day, Sept. 3. It’s a 12-day summer showcase of the best Empire State agriculture, entertainment, education, industry and technology. It’s 375 acres of displays; NYPA is right in the middle, in the Center of Progress Building, with a booth all about us and all about energy-saving and “going green” tips for you and your family.

Mohawk Valley News

If you have comments or suggestions, please contact Ann Cianfrocco, community relations specialist, at 315-792-8355, or by email at ann.cianfrocco@nypa.gov.

To our readers: We occasionally receive requests for tours of the Clark Energy Center. While we would like to comply, security concerns prevent us from allowing members of the public to tour our facilities. Thank you for your understanding.