BROCKPORT: NYPA, SUNY Brockport Review Efficiency Work—The replacement of a failed chiller at the State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport in January will save the university close to $3,000 in annual energy costs and is the latest energy-efficiency project performed by the Power Authority at the campus during a 12-year association. SUNY Brockport and NYPA officials met on campus in January to review past projects and recent work. SUNY Brockport has more than 60 buildings on 435 acres in the Village of Brockport. In the last decade the university has become a major NYPA energy services client to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational and maintenance costs. Initial projects included installation of efficient lighting and room occupancy sensors. The work has grown to encompass chiller replacements, energy management system upgrades, window replacements and heating, ventilation and air conditioning modernization. Close to $20 million invested in energy upgrades for most of the academic, service, dining and dormitory facilities will generate almost $1.3 million in energy cost savings each year. Many of these improvements are consistent with SUNY’s Energy Master Plan. NYPA generally finances and directs installation of such projects, and recoups its costs by sharing in energy savings.

EAST AMHERST: Power to Schools Project Set for Williamsville— An $8.7 million energy-efficiency project, financed and implemented by NYPA, will save the 13-school, 10,600-student Williamsville Central School District more than $500,000 a year. The project, one of the first under the state-authorized Power to Schools program, follows NYPA energy audits calling for more efficient lighting, sensors to regulate outside air volume, replacement of air dampers and actuators to control air flow, replacement of steam traps and boilers, and installation of an energy management system and of a small-capacity chiller for use during limited-cooling times. The district will repay financing costs over several years through a portion of the energy bill savings. The Power to Schools program enables NYPA to assist public and private K-12 schools across the state in managing energy costs through energy-efficiency measures and shopping for economical power in the competitive marketplace.

ROCHESTER: Landfill Gas to Generate Electricity for County— The Power Authority has partnered with Monroe County on a landfill gas-to-energy project that will generate electricity from methane gas produced by garbage. NYPA Vice Chairman Michael Townsend joined Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and State Senator James Alesi last month in announcing the $9.7 million project now under construction at the county-owned Mill Seat Landfill in Riga. The Power Authority is providing technical oversight and advice to the county on the 4.8-megawatt power plant being built there. Upon completion, expected by early summer, the facility will use methane gas produced by decomposing garbage to run engines that will generate enough electricity to power 4,000 homes. Plans call for the electricity to be sold as “green” energy on the open market. Of the total cost for the project, NYPA is providing $9.5 million in low-interest financing to the county; the remaining $200,000 is coming from Petroleum Overcharge Restitution funds, which are administered by NYPA. The landfill power work is one of 20 energy services projects NYPA has undertaken in Monroe County. Together, these efficiency-improving measures save taxpayers more than $1.2 million annually, replace close to 45,000 barrels of oil a year and avoid the emission of more than 16,500 tons of greenhouse gas per year.

NEW YORK CITY: Minority Business Garners NYPA Support— The National Minority Business Council (NMBC), a 35-year-old non-profit organization that supports minority- and women-owned businesses across the United States, has received a $4,800 contribution from NYPA. The minority business council offers a range of services to its members, including consulting, education and training, assistance with financing, procurement counseling and needs assessment. In thanking the Power Authority for its continued support, NMBC President John Robinson noted his organization’s involvement in NYPA’s annual Purchasing Exchange, which offers 300 to 400 minority- and women-owned business executives each year a chance to meet with representatives from NYPA, corporate entities and government agencies for business opportunities.

LEWISTON: Annual NYPA Giving Aids Area Medical Facilities— Two Western New York medical facilities each received $4,000 as part of NYPA’s annual funding support to the region for 2006. Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center in Lewiston and the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center received the contributions at two ceremonies in January at the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project. NYPA’s Western New York regional manager, Horace Horton, presented a check to Mount St. Mary’s President and CEO Judith Maness and the hospital foundation president, Lynn Wolfgang-Catalano. Later, Patricia Berggren, vice president, foundation and community relations for the medical center, received a check from Horton. NYPA’s annual contributions to the hospital, medical center and other local emergency service providers are used to buy equipment, improve facilities, promote health education and establish programs that enhance patient care.

NORTH BLENHEIM: NYPA Visitors Center Lists 2007 Events—Fresh from a banner year in 2006 at the admission-free Visitors Center at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project, the Power Authority is planning several special events for 2007 at the center and the adjacent Lansing Manor. The Visitors Center continued to be a major Capital Region attraction last year, drawing more than 40,200 people. Housed in a restored 19th-century dairy barn that is part of the historic Lansing Manor complex, the center is packed with interactive exhibits on electricity generation, the environment and geography. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except some holidays. Highlights on the complex’s 2007 schedule include a June 16 celebration of Lansing Manor’s 30th anniversary as an admission-free museum. The program will include a vintage 19th-century baseball game. New on the 2007 calendar is an antique show on July 15. An energy expo, featuring advice on saving energy in homes and businesses, will again be held in conjunction with the annual Wildlife Festival on Sept. 22. Past favorites such as the D.A.R.E. car show (June 10) and photos with the Easter Bunny and Santa are among other highlights. Colder weather arrived just in time to kick off the Visitors Center’s 2007 season of winter sports, including cross-country skiing. While the weather lasts, trails will be open from dawn to dusk and free snow-shoe rentals are available. Call 1-800-724-0309 for more information or visit the NYPA website.