2005
RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACT: Jean Donovan, 1-866-NYSERDA, ext. 3516
Greg Chorvas, 845-246-5890, gchorvas@saugerties.ny.us
TOWN OF SAUGERTIES SHOWCASES STATE-OF-THE-ART KIWANIS ICE ARENA
Environmentally Conscious Town Uses Energy-Efficient Equipment To Reduce Electricity Consumption and Improve Ice Quality
Saugerties, NY (December 8, 2005) - The Town of Saugerties today unveiled its new, energy-efficient cost-saving equipment at the Kiwanis Ice Rink facility, located within the Cantine Veteran's Memorial Complex. The equipment is expected to save the Town an estimated $25,000 in annual energy costs at the ice rink, which is open from mid-September through March. The Town also hosted a tour of the newly renovated Kiwanis Ice Rink facility.
"Working in partnership with municipalities and local community organizations to improve the energy efficiency of public facilities is extremely important and rewarding, " said Peter R. Smith, President of NYSERDA. "The Kiwanis Ice Rink is a great ice skating facility serving the whole community, and we are pleased to have been able to assist in making cost saving energy upgrades that will lower operating costs, and increase enjoyment for patrons."
"As Town Supervisor entering my fourth term I have been closely involved with the development of the Ice Arena," said Gregory Helsmoortel, Supervisor of the Town of Saugerties. "NYSERDA has played a vital role in the many energy efficient upgrades that has taken place. As result our utility costs have dropped considerable and the nearly $50,000.00 of NYSERDA incentives helped tremendously in accomplishing our goals. The majority of this, along with the large incentive, would never have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our Parks Superintendent Greg Chorvas. I am extremely pleased and thankful to NYSERDA."
The Town of Saugerties took part in the New York Energy $martSM New Construction Program administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and received an incentive of $49,961 to help defray the costs of its energy efficiency efforts. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), an energy consulting company, provided a technical assistance study of the rink, prepared a design assistance report, and recommended the installation of the energy efficiency measures.
The energy-efficient equipment not only reduces energy costs, but reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during the ice making process, and provides a higher quality of ice. Equipment displayed included a reverse osmosis demineralization (Clear Ice) machine that removes minerals from water and results in lower refrigeration costs due to the higher freezing temperature of the de-mineralized water; a Smart Drive pumping system that uses a variable speed motor and provides a 7-day programmable ice temperature scheduler; a infrared ice temperature monitoring system that accurately measures the temperature of the ice; and a high-efficiency brine chiller.
The Kiwanis Ice Rink is named after the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties which, in 1999, donated equipment necessary for the Town of Saugerties to open and operate an ice skating facility. The arena is a full-size rink and is fully enclosed. It contains a pro shop, heated bleachers, elevated seating for spectators, locker rooms, restrooms, and a concession area are available to the public. The facility contains ice skate and equipment rental and skate sharpening. It hosts open skating, youth leagues, and adult leagues.
Funding for the New Construction Program and other NYSERDA incentives are provided through the New York Energy $martSM 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, National Grid (Niagara Mohawk), Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.
New York Energy $martSM 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.
Additional information about these and other energy-saving programs is available online at www.nyserda.org
###
|
