2004

RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: Tom Collins
1-866-697-37322 ext. 3250

NYSERDA HELPS ENERGY SERVICE INDUSTRY SECURE OVER HALF-A-BILLION DOLLARS IN ENERGY PROJECTS

Albany, NY - January 22, 2004 The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced today that its Commercial/Industrial Performance Program (CIPP) has supported more than 700 projects throughout the State representing over $102 million in incentives and over $500 million in capital expenditures. It is estimated that the projects benefitting from this program have realized an annual energy savings of over 700 million kWh and 170 MW.

"Governor Pataki and NYSERDA not only promote energy-efficiency, but seek programs that create and retain jobs in New York State," said Peter R. Smith, Acting President of NYSERDA. "I applaud the success of the Commercial/Industrial Performance Program which helps schools, hospitals, and businesses reduce their energy costs, and also stimulates local economies with additional work for contractors and equipment suppliers. At CIPP's inception 7 service providers participated in the program; today, there are 150 companies participating from all regions of the State."

The Commercial/Industrial Performance Program, which was created in 1999, provides financial incentives on a performance basis to certified contractors implementing cost-effective electrical efficiency improvements, or demand reduction, for eligible customers. These customers include commercial and industrial businesses; not-for-profit and private institutions; public and private schools; colleges and universities; health care facilities; and state and local governments. Eligible measures include lighting, motors, variable-speed drives, energy-management systems, packaged air conditioning and chillers, and custom measures that result in electric-energy savings or demand reduction.

NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975 and administers the System Benefits Charge (SBC) funds and programs under an agreement with the New York State Public Service Commission. The CIPP is available to electric distribution customers who pay into the SBC system and include customers of Central Hudson, NYSEG, Con Edison, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.