2004

For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Ryan Moore, 518-862-1090 x3267, rtm@nyserda.org

Pamela Long, 212-245-8735, pam.long@bh.ddb.com

Dane Estes, 206-447-1207, dane.estes@bh.ddb.com

Fall is in the Air - New Yorker's, Don't Get Caught Off-Guard
Early Preparation with Simple Tips Means $avings Down the Road

Albany, York, NY - 9/14/04 - Summer in New York seems to be winding down early, suggesting winter's chill is not far behind. Take advantage of an extra month and begin preparing your home for cooler temperatures. Don't wait until the leaves are falling. With some simple adjustments, you can literally prevent the heat, and dollars, from leaking out of your home and pocketbook this winter.

With the help of New York Energy $mart^SM programs, New Yorkers can save energy around their homes by making deliberate choices to use energy wisely. Individuals who practice energy smart behaviors see savings on their electric bills each month. In addition to saving money, these individuals help the environment -- the less electricity produced by power plants, the fewer greenhouse gases released into the air.

With increases in both the price of electricity and heating fuel, consumers often concede to paying more to stay comfortable. What most people don't realize is how often higher energy bills can be traced to simple home improvement challenges, like leaky windows and doors, or poor insulation. While it's not always easy to pinpoint the problem, taking time to find it and fix it can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.

What can YOU do?

Look for the Star.

Select ENERGY STAR® products when buying new or replacing old appliances. Whether you're in the market for a clothes washer, refrigerator, or other home appliance, make sure it has the ENERGY STAR label.

Check your home's performance.

Developed under the New York Energy $martSM program, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR helps you find a participating Building Performance Institute (BPI)-certified Home Performance contractor to inspect your home and provide recommendations for energy improvements-they can even do the work. These contractors will use diagnostic equipment to evaluate the performance of your home and generate a customized list of improvement that may include sealing air leaks, adding insulation or sealing duct air leaks.

See a new light.

October is National Change a Light, Change the World month, encouraging you to replace your five most frequently used lights or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR lighting products use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent lighting, while providing more light. In addition, compact fluorescent bulbs need to be changed, on average, once every seven years, depending on individual usage. This means less time changing light bulbs, a convenience especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Heat and cool smartly.

Have your heating and cooling equipment serviced annually and remember to replace air filters regularly. Use a programmable thermostat, and when it's time to replace old equipment, choose an ENERGY STAR qualified model.

Insulate, it's not too late.

Insulate your home, particularly in the attic. Not only is this spot usually the easiest to insulate, but it's also where you'll see the greatest energy-saving benefit.

Turn it down.

Turn down the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees F.

Watch your simple steps add up.

Since the inception of the New York Energy $mart^SM program in 1998, New York residents have experienced a combined total savings of $23 million on their energy bills! This includes savings from electricity, gas and oil.

For more information on other energy efficiency programs and money-saving tips during the upcoming winter months, visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call toll-free 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278).

All New York Energy $mart^SM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.

New York Energy $mart^SM programs are designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) who pay into the SBC.