9/13/07 - County may study energy use

(As published by Cortland Standard, Corey Preston reporting)

The county will undergo an energy audit this fall to determine if wholesale changes to lighting, heating and other energy uses in its buildings could save money.

Dave Laney, a representative of the New York Power Authority, told the Legislature’s General Services Committee Tuesday that Cortland County had been identified by NYPA as a municipality with potential in terms of saving on energy costs.

“Just looking at the age of the buildings, the type of lighting … you could have a potential energy project here,” Laney said.

Laney outlined the process through which NYPA would do a full evaluation of the county’s energy resources, looking at lighting, heating, air-conditioning and ventilation, motors and other energy users in county buildings.

If the county goes forward with the project, NYPA would bankroll the needed changes, which the county would need to pay back with interest, Laney said, but it is not obligated to go through with the changes.

“In good faith, if we deliver something economical for the county, we’d expect you to proceed … but you don’t have to,” he said.

NYPA considers any energy project that will pay for itself in savings within 10 years a worthwhile project, Laney said.

Noting that Cortland County spends a little less than $800,000 annually on energy, he said that NYPA averages about 20 percent in annual savings for its clients, meaning the county could hypothetically save $160,000 per year.

FINALLY! Finally the County does something right!!! Unfortunately, it was probably due to NYPA contacting the County, but hey - at least they didn't say no.

When I ran for Alderman 2 years ago, one of my points was to get energy audits on municipal buildings and reign in our energy hog facilities. We waste ton of energy and this is an easy opportunity to help the taxpayers save. It is too bad it has taken so long for the County to get engaged, but a good start.

There was more in the C-S article, but this captures the intent,

Hooray!