NYSERDA Press Releases

20,000 New Yorkers Get Energy $mart
Statewide Partnership Offers Easy Solutions for Helping New Yorkers "Keep Cool"

Albany, NY - Today, just one month after the launch of this summer's Keep Cool Campaign, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), New York Public Service Commission (PSC), New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) announced that more than 20,000 New Yorkers have already traded in their old, working, inefficient room air conditioners for new energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® models.

Through a combination of a multimedia campaign aimed at providing consumers with energy-saving tips to help control costs, and working closely with more than 500 participating retailers throughout New York State, consumers are encouraged to turn in their old, inefficient, working room air conditioner and purchase a new ENERGY STAR® model room air conditioner. In return, consumers will receive a $75 bounty check through the mail. NYSERDA, PSC, NYPA and LIPA are urging New Yorkers to take advantage of this great opportunity to save money and energy.

"We are thrilled that so many consumers have already taken advantage of the Keep Cool bounty. At this time last year, New Yorkers had turned in 1,100 room air conditioners. This year, just one month into the campaign, retailers have collected nearly twenty times the number of room air conditioners, helping New Yorkers realize energy savings," said William Flynn, President of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

According to Richard M. Kessel, Chairman of the Long Island Power Authority, "More than 8,000 Long Islanders have already traded in their inefficient room air conditioners - that is a significant increase from the number of units turned in last year at this time, only 146. In addition to helping consumers save money, energy-efficient air conditioners are helping to lessen the strain on New York's resources."

Louis P. Ciminelli, Chairman of the New York Power Authority said, "Every watt of electricity conserved by New Yorkers serves the environment and saves money. That's why Empire State officials are encouraging consumers to look for the mark of energy efficiency, the ENERGY STAR® label, when shopping for air conditioners and other major household appliances."

Like all New York Energy $mart^SM programs, Keep Cool is designed to help consumers decrease energy costs during the warm summer months, while easing the strain on New York's resources. Last summer, the "Keep Cool" campaign realized a huge success as more than 41,000 New Yorkers took advantage of the air conditioner turn-in program, resulting in an estimated $700,000 in annual energy savings. NYSERDA expects a significant increase in program participation in 2002.

Impending summer heat, paired with high energy costs has challenged New Yorkers to "Keep Cool" and remain comfortable, without breaking the bank or taking a major toll on the environment. While there is little that homeowners can do about the hot, dry weather or the price of electricity or natural gas, there are simple, everyday changes that consumers can make to reduce the amount of energy and water they use, lowering their overall energy costs - and helping to reduce the strain on the environment. NYSERDA, the PSC, NYPA and LIPA are urging New Yorkers to reduce energy and water use in the coming months. Reduced energy use will help consumers lower their energy bills and lessen the impact on New York's limited resources.

To learn more about making homes energy efficient, and to conduct your own energy audit, visit www.GetEnergySmart.org.

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ENERGY STAR® is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states, manufacturers, utilities, and retailers. This collaborative effort is designed to prevent pollution by helping consumers choose products that use less energy. The ENERGY STAR® label appears on products such as major appliances, heating and air-conditioning, and lighting.