A Partnership for Clean Energy Projects

New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Kessel today joined Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano to announce a partnership to save taxpayer money by lowering energy costs through energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

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

The first part of this initiative will be to install an 80 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) project at 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.

"NYPA is deeply committed to helping New York improve its energy independence and reduce its energy costs through projects such as these," Kessel said. "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."

NYPA also has agreed to provide an $812,000 grant in support of a partnership between Nassau County and the Power Authority 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.

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