2007

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

Mary Ingram-Schatz (mary@ingramschatz.com)
Phone: 212-600-4469

State helps Westchester reduce its carbon footprint
First 100 residents to participate in New York's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program to be named environmental heroes

Westchester, New York- September 17, 2007: Westchester County residents who want to reduce their carbon footprint and sign up for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® could also get 15 seconds of fame for becoming a champion for the environment in their neighborhood.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is looking for 100 homeowners in Westchester County to take the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR challenge to improve their home's energy efficiency, thereby lessening the impact of energy consumption on the environment. The first 100 homeowners who upgrade their gas heating system through the challenge will be featured as local environmental heroes in NYSERDA's upcoming marketing campaign for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR.

"Through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, homes of any style or size can be improved to reduce energy use and costs by up to 40 percent. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR is an effective way to reduce energy costs and make a significant impact on the environment," said NYSERDA President and CEO Paul D. Tonko.

Each year the typical home emits approximately six tons of carbon dioxide to heat, cool, light and power an average home according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

To participate in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Challenge, Westchester residents should log onto www.GetEnergySmart.org for a list of Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor companies that are trained and accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI).

Homeowners must contact a participating contractor before September 30, 2007 and make an appointment for a comprehensive home assessment. Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans, 10 percent cash back or, if income-eligible, receive up to $5,000 subsidy to help pay for the cost of the improvements.

During the assessment, the contractor will test the home for air leakage using a blower door and look for opportunities to improve the home's insulation, heating and cooling systems, windows and doors, appliances and lighting. The contractor will also inspect and test heating equipment, ovens and water heaters to make sure dangerous combustion gases like carbon monoxide are not leaking into the home. When the assessment is complete, the contractor will identify what improvements can be made, the cost of making those improvements and what kinds of financial incentives are available to homeowners and will even calculate the time it will take for each improvement to pay for itself through lower energy bills.

To take the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Challenge and get a list of BPI Accredited contractors who can schedule a comprehensive home assessment, visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART.

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. For more information, visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART.

 ###