Demand Management, Energy Efficiency, Industrial  -  September 14, 2016

New York unveils $10M in energy efficiency initiatives for industrial, manufacturing facilities

The state of New York has announced $10 million for two new clean energy initiatives to support energy efficiency and reduce costs at industrial and manufacturing facilities. 

The "On-Site Energy Manager" and "Strategic Energy Management" initiatives are designed to improve business performance and operations of participating facilities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA, said in Sept. 12 announcement. The state agency said the programs are intended to support cutting-edge energy management in New York's industrial and manufacturing base, which accounts for 7.4% of total energy use in the state.

As energy is one of the largest operational costs for manufacturers, investing in process and energy efficiency improvements is expected to lower costs and improve overall competitiveness. NYSERDA said facilities that participate in the programs are expected to save a total of $12.9 million per year through recommended efficiency measures.

"Large energy users, such as those in the industrial and manufacturing sector, understand how incorporating energy efficiency into core business processes can reduce costs," New York State Chairman of Energy and Finance Richard Kauffman By supporting personnel and their efforts to address energy challenges of these facilities and plants, we advance the State's energy objectives and help companies and manufacturers improve their results."

The onsite manager initiative launched Sept. 12 is expected to provide $7 million in cost-share funding in partnership with large and medium-size industrial facilities to demonstrate the benefits of hiring a dedicated, full-time onsite energy manager. Through a competitive process, 30 facilities will be selected to receive NYSERDA support to put a contractor or permanent employee in that role for one year, according to the announcement. 

Launching in a few weeks, the strategic energy management initiative is expected to provide $3 million to support continuous improvement demonstrations at 20 manufacturing facilities statewide that have high energy usage and costs, NYSERDA said. The state agency says it will provide consultants to teach facility personnel how to reduce energy intensity over time, systematically achieve energy savings goals and implement smart, sustainable energy management practices that lead to ongoing cost savings for the business.

The programs, NYSERDA said, help to support the state's Reforming the Energy Vision, or REV, program, as well as New York's Clean Energy Standard, which mandates that 50% of all electricity used in the state come from renewable sources by 2030.

Share this valuable information with your colleagues using the buttons below: