RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, December
23, 2003
CONTACT: Ryan Moore
(518) 862-1090, ext.3267.
New York City to Become an Energy $mart Communities
Partner
Businesses and Neighborhoods To Get Energy Efficiency and Revitalization
Support
New York, NY – The communities and neighborhoods in
the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Brooklyn now have
resources and support to help with renovations and energy efficiency
improvements thanks to the New York Energy $martSM Communities
Program. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
(NYSERDA), Pratt Institute for Community and Environmental Development
(PICCED), and the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation
(SoBRO) have partnered in an effort to revitalize businesses and neighborhoods
within the five boroughs.
To improve the South Bronx, Queens, and Upper Manhattan areas, SoBRO
will use its business development programs and neighborhood preservation
experience in combination with NYSERDA's technical and financial assistance
for energy efficiency improvements. In the remaining areas of the
City, PICCED will use its current network of partners, including community-based
organizations and existing projects, to demonstrate the benefits of
energy efficiency. Energy $mart Communities also seeks to build support
for energy conservation through workshops and other education efforts.
"This collaboration with the South Bronx Overall Economic Development
Corporation and Pratt Institute will help NYSERDA identify the areas
or neighborhoods that could most benefit from energy improvements
and renovations. As a result, the City will improve in terms of energy
efficiency and aesthetics," said Peter Smith, acting president
of NYSERDA. "Exemplifying Governor Pataki's vision, the Energy
$mart Communities Program brings together government resources and
private businesses to improve the economy, environment, and quality
of life in communities throughout the State."
The New York Energy $martSM Communities Program
creates networks of organizations and agencies that contribute to
energy-focused neighborhood projects. Many of these efforts are concentrated
in "Energy Target Zones" – neighborhoods or
community sectors that could most benefit from energy efficiency.
NYSERDA contributes to these projects through its current programs,
while the partner organizations share local experience and resources.
Regional coordinators facilitate the projects and the community partnership,
helping to make the best match between the community's needs and the
partnership's resources.
Accomplishments include downtown redevelopment efforts, energy-related
job training, and low-income ENERGY STAR® housing.
All New York Energy $martSM programs are funded
by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers
of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland,
and Rochester Gas and Electric. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation
established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under
an agreement with the Public Service Commission.
New York Energy $martSM programs are designed to
lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's
electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available
to electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional,
and industrial) who pay into the SBC.
For more information on Energy $mart Communities, contact Iris LaLuz,
SoBRO regional coordinator, at (718)-292-3113 or call Dean Zias PICCED
regional coordinator, at (718)-399-4416.
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