NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY
NYPA Innovators Summit Recognizes State's Energy Leaders

The New York Power Authority honored government agencies and officials for their work to advance energy efficiency at a time when the state has ramped up efforts to increase the use of renewable energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The awards were given at NYPA's 2016 Innovators Summit: Accelerating New York's Energy Future, held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel.

"The summit is the ideal venue to honor the creativity and ingenuity we need to ensure a clean energy future for the state," said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. "It's heartening to see there is no shortage of great ideas."

The Innovators Summit underscores efforts to meet the goals of BuildSmart NY, a program created by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo that mandates a 20 percent energy efficiency improvement in state-owned and managed buildings by 2020. It is also consistent with the Governor's Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build an energy system in New York that is cleaner, more efficient, and affordable for all New Yorkers.

Governor Cuomo has also established a Clean Energy Standard that requires half of all electricity use to come from renewable sources by 2030 to help reach a goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by then. The awardees were recognized, in part, for furthering the Governor's initiatives.

They included George Hoehmann, supervisor of the town of Clarkstown in Rockland County, who led the installation of a 2.36 MW solar array at the town's decommissioned landfill and currently has a project underway to upgrade mare than 3,000 street lights with LED technology.

Also receiving individual recognition was Kate Lawrence, Albany's former sustainability planner, who led the creation of the city's energy master plan. Lawrence was also instrumental in Albany's participation in the Climate Smart Communities Certification Program, a state initiative that recognizes municipalities that take tangible steps to reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions, encourage green-energy innovations and use more renewables.

Three state agencies were also recognized for energy efficiency measures, including:

• The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which achieved the largest reduction in energy use intensity the amount of energy used per square foot--of any agency with 2 million square feet or more of managed space. Significant capital upgrades at key facilities and strong energy management practices were credited. The MTA was also recognized for achieving a 20 percent reduction in EUI at Grand Central Terminal since the 2010-11 state fiscal year, the baseline for measurement, through upgrades of steam systems, air handlers, the replacement of chillers and cooling towers; and the installation of high-efficiency lighting.
   
• The state Department of Environmental Conservation, whose Ray Brook regional headquarters achieved a 21 percent EUI reduction following the installation of high-performance boilers, energy-efficient doors and windows, foam insulation and heat system upgrades. DEC is also planning to install a high-performance wood gasification biomass heating plant at the Ray Brook facility.
   
• The state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, which recorded a 17.8 percent EUI reduction, the largest of any state agency. The reduction is due in part to a major headquarters renovation that emphasized energy efficiency.

The State University of New York at New Paltz received the Innovative Energy Project of the Year award for a hybrid solar-battery energy storage system that will be installed and financed by NYPA. The project, which also received a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority grant, enables a gym to serve as an emergency evacuation shelter and effectively operate as a microgrid in the event of a loss of power.

About NYPA:

NYPA is the nation's largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. For more information visit http://www.nypa.gov/ and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, and LinkedIn. 

About Reforming the Energy Vision:

Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency, in part through the recent adoption of New York's Clean Energy Standard which requires that 50% of the state's electricity needs be generated from renewable energy sources by 2030. Already, REV has driven 600% growth in the statewide solar market, enabled more than 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean-tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and achieves the internationally recognized target of reducing emissions 80% by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5.3 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us on social media at @Rev4NY.