NYSERDA Press Releases

NYSERDA Introduces Energy Audit Program For Small Businesses
New Program To Cut Energy Costs And Save Money

Buffalo, NY – The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has introduced the New York Energy Smart^SM Energy Audit Program, designed to provide low-cost energy audits to small businesses and other facilities to help them make informed electrical energy decisions and implement energy-efficiency strategies. C.J. Brown Energy, P.C., a Buffalo-based professional engineering firm specializing in energy use, conservation, and management, has been selected by NYSERDA to provide energy audit services in the Western New York area.

"Governor Pataki and NYSERDA share a common goal to help small businesses cut costs and save money. By identifying cost-effective energy improvements, these audits can help resolve energy management issues within a facility and eliminate the guesswork that's involved. Many facilities in Western New York have the potential to save thousands in annual energy costs and NYSERDA can help them do that," said NYSERDA Acting President Peter R. Smith.

"Small businesses and other organizations are looking for solutions to rising energy costs and ways to cut operating expenses. From our over 15 years of experience, we know that the dollar savings from implementing energy efficiency measures can be substantial. The payback from making improvements can even result in a positive cash flow," said Michael A. Conway, general manager for C.J. Brown Energy.

The focus of the Energy Audit Program is to help customers identify and implement economically viable energy improvements. The program targets commercial and industrial facilities, state and local governments, not-for-profit and private institutions. Facilities must have less than $100,000 in annual electric bills to be eligible.
Through the audit, customers receive expertise on how to cut energy costs and improve energy efficiency. Audits are provided at a cost of $200, $400, or $600, based on annual electric bills. The fee is refunded if the customer implements one or more recommended energy measures, the cost of which is equal to or greater than the audit fee.

The energy audit begins with a walk-through site visit to evaluate the customer's facility. The customer will then receive a report that includes a description of facility and energy-using systems, analysis of utility bills, and a technical/financial description of potential energy improvements.

Financial incentive programs are also available that can substantially offset the cost of facility improvements. These programs include the New York Energy Smart^SM Loan Fund Program, which offers interest rate reductions of up to 4.5 percent below market rate for financing eligible cost-saving, energy efficiency measures and renewable energy projects through participating lenders. The New York Energy Smart^SM Smart Equipment Choices Program offers cash incentives for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient measures and equipment that reduce electricity consumption.
Follow-up assistance is included in the cost of the audit to encourage customers to act on the audit recommendations. These services include review of the audit results, help in locating contractors, assessment of contractor proposals, and assistance in completing the applications for financial incentive programs.

C.J. Brown Energy has over 15 years of experience working with businesses, institutions, municipalities, state agencies and utility companies to identify, analyze and implement facility improvements that reduce energy use and operating costs. The company is staffed by engineers with extensive expertise in energy-efficient technologies, HVAC, lighting, electrical, refrigeration, and building envelope systems.
To arrange for an energy audit or for additional information, contact Laura Serravalle at C.J. Brown Energy at (716) 565-9190 or visit their website at www.cjbrownenergy.com.

Funding for this project came from NYSERDA's New York Energy Smart^SM program, which is designed to lower 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, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. All New York Energy Smart^SM 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 programs can be obtained at www.nyserda.org or 1-866-NYSERDA.

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