NYSERDA: Western New York Businesses Reduce Energy Costs by $2.4 Million Annually with Support from NYSERDA Incentives

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced today that 212 Western New York businesses are reducing energy costs by a total of $2.4 million annually as a result of energy efficiency upgrades and sustainable building projects supported by NYSERDA during 2010.

The energy savings – 15.5 million kilowatt hours — is equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed by 2,246 single-family homes annually.

“NYSERDA commends these leaders in the Western New York business community for their commitment to more environmentally sustainable business practices,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “We encourage other companies to apply for the incentives available in 2011.”

Statewide, NYSERDA commercial and industrial incentives supported more than 2,800 projects during 2010, helping companies reduce operating costs by $40 million.

NYSERDA provided more than $2 million in incentives to Western New York companies to make energy efficiency projects more affordable, enhance competitiveness and cut costs for businesses. These incentives are available in every sector of the economy, including retail, manufacturing, hospitality, health care, agricultural, commercial and industrial, and others.

Payback on these projects is approximately three to five years. Western New York businesses that made performance-based upgrades are saving an average of $33,660 annually. Performance-based projects not only save energy but also improve productivity by lowering equipment maintenance and operating costs.

Examples of 2010 energy-saving projects at Western New York companies include:

• Exel Logistics Inc., in Lockport, replaced inefficient high-pressure sodium light fixtures with more efficient lighting and occupancy sensors at its 250,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center. The project will help reduce annual energy costs by more than $100,000, decrease electricity consumption by more than 620,000 kilowatt hours.
• The Walker Center, in Williamsville, installed 14 high-efficiency HVAC units. The project will help reduce the plaza’s annual energy costs by more than $4,000 and decrease electricity consumption by more than 25,000 kilowatt hours.
• Rite Aid pharmacies in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Depew, Cheektowaga, Alden, North Tonawanda, Derby, Hamburg, Lockport and Silver Creek replaced existing store lighting systems with new energy-efficient fixtures and ballasts. The project will help reduce annual energy costs by more than $41,000 and decrease annual electricity consumption by more than 255,000 kilowatt hours.