2004

FOR RELEASE: November 1, 2004

CONTACT: Peter Sigurdson (NYSERDA) (716) 842-1522 ext 3006

Greater Rochester YMCA Will Benefit from Energy Efficiency Incentives
Westside Family Branch to save more than $38,000 annually

Rochester NY -- The Greater Rochester YMCA has partnered with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to implement a series of energy-efficient measures at its Westside Family Branch. The measures are projected to save the YMCA more than $38,000 in annual energy costs.

"We're pleased to be given the opportunity to help the Greater Rochester YMCA create an energy-efficient recreational facility," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith. "NYSERDA has been charged by Governor Pataki to implement energy conservation programs throughout the State, and this project in another successful example of our commitment to that task. The YMCA will benefit from reduced energy bills, while patrons and employees will benefit from a comfortable, inviting environment."

"We are pleased to have a partner like NYSERDA," stated George Romell, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. "The energy-saving measures implemented at our new facility will allow us to more effectively manage our utility costs, and will provide real cost savings for the YMCA."

Through its New York Energy $mart^SM New Construction Program, NYSERDA provided $51,416 toward energy-efficiency measures implemented at the facility's newly constructed 36,000 square foot, $5.2 million addition to its day-care center. The addition includes a recreation area, an "adventure center," indoor swimming pool and locker facilities, aerobics studios, wellness center, and offices.

The energy-efficient measures incorporated into the addition's design include an energy management system; a high-efficiency HVAC and dehumidification system; high-efficiency lighting with daylight controls; and premium efficiency motors and drives. It is estimated that these energy-saving measures will result in an annual saving of 285,627 kWh of electricity - a projected $38,388 - for the Greater Rochester YMCA.

Funding for the New Construction Program and other NYSERDA incentives are provided through the New York Energy $mart^SM program, which lowers electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.

New York Energy $mart^SM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.

Under this program, NYSERDA has provided in excess of $7 million to support more than 181 projects in the Greater Rochester area. When combined with co-funding from NYSERDA's partners, the value of these projects is nearly $13 million. Some of the customers NYSERDA is working with in Monroe County are: Rochester City School District, Rochester Institute of Technology, Mikron Corporation Rochester, Zweigles Inc., Siemens Building Technologies, and the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Additional information about these and other energy-saving programs is available online at www.nyserda.org or www.getenergysmart.org , or toll-free at (866) NYSERDA.

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