Politics & Government

NY Power Authority, County Announce Partnership

Richard Kessel and Ed Mangano say the intended projects will save taxpayer money by lowering energy costs through energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Kessel joined Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano March 11 to announce a partnership they say will save taxpayer money by lowering energy costs through energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

The first project includes the installation of an 80 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) project at the Nassau County Public Safety Center.

The project will lower greenhouse gas emissions by 46.8 tons or 93,548 pounds annually, diversify the county's energy supply and contribute to energy security.

Find out what's happening in Bellmorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"This is an exciting beginning to a journey to make Nassau County more efficient and energy independent," said Mangano. "It will save taxpayer dollars and help lower power plant emissions."

"NYPA is deeply committed to helping New York improve its energy independence and reduce its energy costs through projects such as these," Kessel added. "I commend County Executive Mangano for his leadership and dedication in joining in this partnership and in the effort to advance clean energy initiatives that will both lower energy costs and help protect the environment for Nassau County residents."

Find out what's happening in Bellmorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

NYPA also has agreed to provide an $812,000 grant for the installation of energy efficient lighting technology in county-owned traffic signals at more than 1,300 intersections located throughout the county. 

Installation efforts should begin on the $8.75 million project early this summer and is expected to take eight to 12 months to complete, weather-permitting. The installations are among the first in all of Nassau County as part of NYPA's LED (light-emitting diode) Traffic Signal Program.

Taxpayer savings for county residents—because of the lower electric use of the LED traffic signals—is estimated to be almost $1.1 million annually. The new signals are expected to last more than 10 years allowing for more efficient use of resources that will save on replacement, maintenance and disposal costs.

Additionally, the LED modules are much brighter than standard bulbs, which will improve driver and pedestrian safety, Mangano and Kessel said.

In addition to these projects, NYPA has committed to working with Nassau County as it implements a new program to provide low-cost financing to homeowners undertaking energy efficiency projects.

NYPA has undertaken Energy Services Program projects at several Nassau County schools including Bellmore and North Bellmore.

According to last year's Bellmore Schools budget brochure, "the district will install a solar energy system at the Winthrop Avenue School for the 2009-2010 school year at no cost to the district. This will reduce the district's energy costs and be an energy and cost-saving program."

A district representative confirmed that "solar energy panels have been installed at the Winthrop Avenue School and finishing touches are being completed."

At that meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Famularo also noted that in conjunction with the Solar Energy System implementation funded by a grant secured by Senator Fuschillo, the district is planning to create a Reusable Energy Learning Center. This will enable students throughout the District to view, study and understanding the workings of reusable energy. 

At the Oct. 8, 2009 North Bellmore Board of Education meeting, Assistant to the Superintendent Toni Cincotta offered an update on the Energy Performance Contract projects. 

"Lighting upgrade at Dinkelmeyer is underway," the meeting's minutes state. "Light sensors are being installed in all buildings. The computer power management project has been implemented. The 10K Solar Panel Project at Saw Mill is progressing. Under the EXCEL program, stage rigging at all buildings is underway, the kitchen door project at Dinkelmeyer, Gunther, Park and Saw Mill is complete and the ventilation project will be completed within the next two weeks."

NYPA has a long history of developing and implementing energy efficiency projects within Nassau County, dating back to 1992. As of the end of 2009, almost 70 projects at more than 180 facilities have been completed within Nassau County, saving taxpayers more than $6 million a year and removing more than 30,000 tons of greenhouse gases from the air.

NYPA and Nassau County have partnered on numerous projects since 1997.  Together, NYPA and Nassau County have completed efficiency projects a variety of Nassau County facilities, including Nassau County Community College in Garden City, the Cedar Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant in Seaford, the Nassau County Courthouse in Garden City and the Nassau County Family Court and Supreme Court Buildings.

NYPA is the nation's largest state-owned electric utility and uses no taxpayer dollars or state debt in its operations. The Power Authority owns and operates 17 generating facilities across New York. NYPA also owns and operates over 1,400 circuit miles of transmission lines in various parts of the state. NYPA is a national leader in advancing energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and electric vehicles.

(Jaime Sumersille contributed to this article.)


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