2007

Agency contacts:                                        NYSERDA contact:
Gayle Dougherty (gayle@haggman.com)      Colleen Ryan (cqr@nyserda.org)
Phone: 978-525-3742                                  Phone: 866-NYSERDA ext. 3359

Mary Ingram Schatz (mary@ingramschatz.com)      www.getenergysmart.org

NEW YORKERS TAKE LITTLE STEPS AND SAVE BIG
NYSERDA offers residents tips to save energy and the environment

Albany, NY – November 1, 2007: For New Yorkers who want to join the fight against climate change, there’s no better place to start than at home. That’s because the energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain and global warming. So the less energy a home uses, the less air pollution that home generates.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is providing simple and cost-effective tips to help homeowners reduce their energy bill and help the environment at the same time.

“The average New York household really can make a positive impact on the environment simply by using energy wisely,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Paul D. Tonko. “If everyone in New York took some small steps to improve our environment the impact would be tremendous. We’re hopeful that all New Yorkers will join us in this effort.”

Here are five simple ways to save energy at home and help protect the environment:

1. Replace your five most used incandescent light bulbs to ENERGY STAR ® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and save approximately $60 annually. CFLs use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer.
   
2. Home electronics like VCRs, DVD players, CD players and cell phone chargers use 40 percent of their energy when they are in the off position. Unplug seldom-used items from the wall or plug all home electronics into a power strip and turn off the power strip when you leave. You can also use electronics that have earned the ENERGY STAR and use up to 60 percent less energy than other electronics.
   
3. Upgrade your decorative or holiday lighting with energy-efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) Holiday Lighting strands. LED Holiday Lighting strands last up to 11 holiday seasons, rarely burn out and will save you up to $100 per year on your energy bill!
   
4. Turn off the lights when you leave home or leave the room. There is no need to pay to light rooms that you are not using. This one of the easiest ways to reduce global climate change and lower monthly bills.
   
5. Purchase appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) label the most efficient appliances like refrigerators, clothes washers, dryers and air conditioners so that consumers can easily find appliances that will help reduce monthly energy bills and reduce environmental impact.
   

   NYSERDA uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. Visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278) to learn more ways to save energy.

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