2006

For immediate release
For further information contact:  Susan Andrews, NYSERDA 518-862-1090, ext. 323

NYSERDA Promotes Commercial High-Efficiency Kitchen Equipment with Demonstration Day

Restaurant owners and operators of institutional kitchens have a chance to save energy and money through high efficiency kitchen equipment now being promoted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).  A high efficiency kitchen equipment Demonstration Day will be hosted by Saratoga Restaurant Equipment Sales on October 17^th.  Saratoga Restaurant Equipment Sales, located at 720 Wilton Gansevoort Rd. off of Exit 16 off I-87, has partnered with NYSERDA under the Small Commercial Kitchen Pilot Initiative. 

According to Kim Erickson, general manager for Saratoga Equipment, "Many of our customers are looking for opportunities to reduce their energy costs and improve their bottom line.  This Demonstration Day allows them to take a first hand look at the growing variety of commercial kitchen appliances that allow them to serve their customers fast and efficiently while cutting back their energy costs."

During the Demonstration Day staff will conduct live demonstrations of energy efficient equipment compared to conventional versions.  NYSERDA staff, and industry professionals contracted to support NYSERDA, will be on hand to explain new incentives now available for a wide range of commercial kitchen equipment, and provide information and referrals to NYSERDA programs available to commercial businesses and non-profit institutions.

"Saving energy for small business owners is an important part of our mission," said NYSERDA President and CEO Peter R. Smith.  "There are a number of NYSERDA programs available to provide technical assistance, low-interest loans, and financial incentives for restaurant owners.  This new Pilot will provide outreach and support to restaurant owners and institutions with kitchen facilities to help them make solid investments in reducing their energy costs." 

NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State legislature. NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $mart^SM program, which is designed to support public benefit programs during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Some 2,700 projects in 40 programs are funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the state's investor-owned utilities. The New York Energy $mart^SM program provides energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income sector, research and development, and environmental protection activities.

Along with the new incentives for commercial kitchen equipment through NYSERDA's Smart Equipment Choices program, the NYSERDA Small Commercial Kitchens Pilot is also offering no-cost kitchen audits for any small businesses or organizations with kitchen facilities within the Capital Region, such as restaurants, hotels, fraternal organizations, and community centers.  Interested participants can contact the NYSERDA contractor for the Small Commercial Kitchen Pilot, Ed Smyth of RLW Analytics, at (518) 266-9360.  Additional information about other NYSERDA programs can be found at the NYSERDA website, www.nyserda.org, or by calling at 1-866-NYSERDA.

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