ALBANY, N.Y. – The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C., has recognized The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) On-Bill Recovery Financing, New Construction and Existing Facilities programs as “exemplary programs.” These national awards honor America’s leading energy efficiency programs. NYSERDA’s accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. last week.

Programs selected for this honor were judged to be especially noteworthy for their effectiveness and innovation in helping customers achieve greater levels of energy efficiency in their homes, businesses and industries.

“These programs are delivering energy savings that are critical in helping customers reduce their energy costs, plus they make an important environmental contribution by reducing pollution from the use of fossil fuels,” noted ACEEE Utilities Program Director Dan York, Ph.D.

“ACEEE conducted this national review to recognize outstanding energy efficiency programs and honor the people and organizations responsible for their success,” explained Seth Nowak, ACEEE’s lead analyst on this review. “Programs such as NYSERDA’s On-Bill Recovery Financing, New Construction and Existing Facilities demonstrate the very real value of energy efficiency to the customers it serves.”

NYSERDA Program Highlights

On-Bill Recovery Financing Program

This program, a signature part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Power NY Act of 2011, offers financing to homeowners, small businesses, not-for-profits and multifamily building owners for energy efficiency improvements through a charge on their utility bill. Launched in 2012, the program issued 530 residential loans totaling more than $5 million. These projects saved more than 434,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, the equivalent of powering 63 average-sized homes. 

New Construction Program

This program provides technical support to design teams and financial incentives to building owners involved in the construction of new or substantially renovated energy-efficient structures in New York State. More than 1,500 new applications were received from 2010-2012. In the last full reporting period from 2009-2011, the projected annual average program savings were 59.6 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity, the equivalent of powering more than 8,600 average-sized homes. The projected average annual demand reduction was 14.1 megawatts (MW).

Existing Facilities Program

This program offers a portfolio of incentive opportunities to offset the costs of energy improvements in existing commercial and institutional facilities across New York State. It works with customers to implement a comprehensive strategy to realize verified energy savings through an integrated approach to cost-effective energy efficiency measures. More than 6,000 customers participated in the program from 2009-2011, with annual average demand reduction and response of 98 MW and annual average savings of 143 GWh of electricity, the equivalent of powering more than 20,000 average-sized homes. 

In addition to helping commercial and industrial companies become more energy efficient, both the New Construction Program and the Existing Facilities Program are active in Governor’s Cuomo’s Build Smart NY initiative to reduce energy consumption in state buildings by 20 percent in seven years. 

“I want to thank ACEEE for its recognition of NYSERDA’s commitment to helping New Yorker's increase energy efficiency, save money and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “These programs are part of NYSERDA’s comprehensive platform of energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives. Together, they form an integrated strategy supporting Governor Cuomo’s efforts to ensure that energy efficiency remains a vital part of New York’s clean energy economy.”

For a full listing of honored programs, see: http://aceee.org/press/2013/03/aceee-recognizes-exemplary-energy-ef. For more information about the awards or ACEEE, contact Dan York, ACEEE Utilities Program Director at dwyork@aceee.org.  

About NYSERDA
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975. 

 About ACEEE

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. For information about ACEEE and its programs, publications, and conferences, visit aceee.org.