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Media Contact
Colleen Quinn: 518-862-1090 ex. 3359
Pam Long: 917-912-6346 pam.long@bh.ddb.com
For Immediate Release
160,000 Old Air Conditioners Retired
in State Program
New Yorkers Getting Energy Smart and Reaping Benefits Year Round
New York, NY, September 24, 2002 - The 2002 Keep Cool Bounty Program,
a statewide partnership among the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA),
and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), has seen overwhelming success.
The partners announced today that the Keep Cool program, which gives
New York residents the opportunity to replace their old, inefficient,
working room air conditioners with a new Energy
Star® model, and receive a $75
bounty, has greatly exceeded its goal for 2002. To date, the program
has surpassed last year's total by four times. This year, more than
160,000 room air conditioners were turned in.
The program also includes a public awareness component focused on
affecting change in resident's behavior and purchasing decisions by
introducing simple energy saving tips In addition to money and energy
savings, the Keep Cool program has proved to be far reaching, stimulating
the economy and fostering environmental awareness, as well as empowering
consumers to make smart energy saving decisions throughout the year.
William M. Flynn, President of NYSERDA said, "The success of
the program this summer has been extremely rewarding to the State
with the combination of money savings, economic development, increased
environmental awareness, and important tips to help people conserve
energy in their homes. This program is an example of Governor Pataki's
balanced approach to energy issues facing New York State."
"The success of the Keep Cool Program on Long Island has exceeded
all expectations," said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. "Inefficient
room air conditioners waste a significant amount of electricity. The
Keep Cool Program helped replace approximately 64,000 old and inefficient
air conditioners this summer on Long Island with Energy
Star-rated high efficiency models.
This represents a potential energy savings of almost 20 megawatts
of electricity, which is especially helpful in meeting peak period
demand."
Louis P. Ciminelli, Chairman of the New York Power Authority said,
"Every watt of electricity saved by New Yorkers cuts energy costs
and contributes to air quality. That's why Governor Pataki and New
York State energy 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."
NYPA President and CEO Eugene W. Zeltmann said, "The New York
Power Authority is proud to have played a key role in the Keep Cool
program, and in other energy-saving initiatives that have been developed
and carried out under the leadership of Governor Pataki. Saving energy
gives us a more reliable supply, lowers costs for consumers, helps
clean the air and strengthens our economy."
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner
Erin M. Crotty said, "By increasing energy efficiency and reducing
pollution, the Keep Cool program has significantly improved the environment
in New York State. People are taking advantage of incentives to replace
their old, inefficient air conditioners, helping to protect our air,
land and water."
May M. Chao, Chairperson and Executive Director of the New York State
Consumer Protection Board said, "Consumers in New York are always
looking for smart ways to save money and one of the smartest ways
is to use air conditioners and other products with the Energy
Star® label. Thanks to Governor
Pataki and the energy-saving programs offered by a number of state
agencies, New Yorkers have more ways than ever before to save money,
energy and the environment."
- Consumers Saving Money Today and Tomorrow.
While the immediate savings of the $75 bounty has proved to be the
initial motivator for most consumers, the long-term savings over
the life of the unit is the true payoff. The replacement of 160,000
old, inefficient room air conditioners with new, energy-efficient,
Energy Star®-labeled
models will save program participants an estimated $35 in annual
energy costs.
- Economy Gets a Boost.
Local retailers have seen increased revenues from high volumes of
customers seeking to replace their inefficient air conditioners.
Nearly 600 retailers are participating in the program this year.
The recycling industry has also seen an increase in business with
the high volume of units being removed from the market. And the
reduced energy bills means millions of dollars statewide can be
spent elsewhere, further boosting the economy and creating jobs.
- Load Reduction Helping Utilities Meet Demand.
By making smart energy saving decisions consumers are investing
in the future and ensuring a consistent power supply for the state
of New York. The Keep Cool program helps to reduce demand and ease
constraints on the generation and transmission system. Retailers
report that even beyond participants in Keep Cool, many more customers
are choosing Energy Star due to increased awareness of the benefits
of Energy Star®
products. Consumers have helped to reduce load by approximately
50 MW this year.
- Cleaner Environment for New Yorkers.
By properly disposing of old, inefficient working room air conditioners
consumers are helping improve air quality and the environment. For
instance, this year's program will reduce statewide emissions of
carbon dioxide by approximately 16,000 tons, which is equivalent
to removing close to 3,200 cars from New York's roadways for one
year. In addition, nearly 9,000 tons of metals are being recycled.
CFCs are being collected from old units and PCB-laden capacitors
are being destroyed.
- Simple Tips Save Energy Year Round!
By following simple energy saving tips and changing everyday behaviors,
consumers can further reduce their energy consumption, especially
during peak demand times. Look for the Energy
Star® label, the symbol for energy
efficiency, not only when shopping for an air conditioner, but also
for other major appliances, as well as light fixtures and bulbs,
windows, and home electronics. For central air conditioning systems,
make sure the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is 12 or higher.
Shift energy-intensive tasks, such as laundry and dishwashing, to
off-peak hours - nights, mornings, and weekends. Operate washers
and dryers with full loads to get the most for your energy dollars.
Install programmable thermostats, which can increase or decrease
the temperature automatically, saving valuable energy and money.
- Get Energy Smart
For more information on other energy efficiency programs and money
saving tips during the upcoming months visit www.GetEnergySmart.org.
Or call 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278).
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The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State
Legislature. NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $martSM
program, which is designed to support certain public benefit programs
during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Some
1,100 projects in more than 30 programs are funded by a charge on
the electricity transmitted and distributed by the State's investor-owned
utilities. The New York Energy $martSM program provides
energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income
sector, research and development, and environmental protection activities.
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