New York Power Authority
News Release
Comprehensive Strategy Part of Governor Cuomo’s
BuildSmart NY Initiative
Mayor Lovely Warren on Rochester’s Energy Plan – YouTube http://youtu.be/rxC9pZuHF-E
WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today
unveiled a bold set of initiatives that will help Rochester reduce overall
energy costs and carbon emissions, advance energy sustainability and support
clean energy technologies and jobs.
Announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in his State of the
State message, the Rochester energy initiative is part of the Five Cities
Energy Plans, which could save some of New York’s largest municipalities up to
$400 million annually in energy costs. Also participating are Albany, Buffalo,
Syracuse and Yonkers.
“Cities have an important role to play in helping New
York become a leader in using cleaner, more resilient and renewable energy
sources,” said Richard Kauffman, chairman of Energy and Finance, Office of
Governor Cuomo. “The Five Cities initiative shows how New York State is working
together with our major cities to address many of our energy priorities and
challenges, while also reducing costs and protecting the environment.”
Under the $35 million, five-year program, a state-funded
Energy Manager position will be created for each city, and a race-to-the-top
competition will award up to $20 million to the most forward-thinking, advanced
energy projects.
“The Power Authority looks forward to working with
Rochester to implement this groundbreaking Energy Plan and collaborate on
innovative, energy-saving projects,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and
chief executive officer. “By sharing our expertise with New York’s large
municipalities, we look to change dramatically how the state’s urban centers
use energy, while simultaneously gaining significant environmental and economic
benefits.”
Energy-saving measures outlined in the Rochester Energy
Plan include, initiatives to expand the use of alternate fuel vehicle fleets,
enhance energy code enforcement, reinvest energy savings in energy reduction
programs and track energy performance.
To view the complete plan, visit: http://www.nypa.gov/RochesterEnergyPlan.html.
“I would like to thank the New York Power Authority and
all of the partners we worked with to develop the Rochester energy plan,” said
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren. “As we implement the strategies and initiatives
outlined in the plan, we look forward to a cleaner environment, greater energy
efficiency and renewable energy, and more high-tech energy sector jobs in the
Rochester region.”
Rochester’s plan is the culmination of a year-long
process, spearheaded by NYPA, which included data collection and analysis and
stakeholder engagement and participation from local utilities, civic and
government entities, and environmental groups. Designed to be highly
participatory, the work was overseen by the Rochester architectural and design
firm, La Bella Associates.
To support implementation of the plans, NYPA will:
• Create five
new energy manager positions to help implement and be accountable for the newly
completed plans for each city;
• Create an
energy liaison position to serve as a vital link between New York State
agencies and authorities and the five cities, and provide technical expertise
and streamlined support;
• Finance grants
to facilitate implementation, including initial startup costs and a
race-to-the-top competition for carrying out large energy projects, showcasing
new technologies and accelerating clean energy markets.
NYPA will help the cities implement the plans and monitor
their progress. These efforts will expand and build on other NYPA programs,
including energy efficiency financing, NY Energy Manager, and K-Solar, a
program to install solar photovoltaic systems at schools statewide.
The Five Cities Energy Plans initiative expands upon
BuildSmart NY, a program established by Governor Cuomo. The cities will work
toward the goal of improving energy efficiency 20 percent by 2020 for municipal
facilities and 20 percent by 2030 citywide, including private buildings. NYPA
is the lead agency for implementing BuildSmart NY, which mandates a 20 percent
energy-efficiency increase in state-owned and managed buildings by 2020.
“We are excited that we’ve had the opportunity to
participate in the development of these visionary plans,” said Donna De
Costanzo, director of Northeast Energy and Sustainable Communities at the
Natural Resources Defense Council. “New
York is leading the way, showing how strengthening our cities, through
advancing clean energy action in partnership with municipalities is key to
fostering vibrant, prosperous communities and tackling climate change.”
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News Media: For more information, contact Rochester Press
Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.