New York Governor David A. Paterson yesterday announced a $40 million investment to improve the energy efficiency of the state’s schools, universities and colleges, hospitals and not-for-profit agencies.

The 118 projects, funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), aim to reduce energy and operating costs by $13.5 million a year and provide a full return on investment within seven years.

The announcement marks the second round of funding in the State Energy Program, taking the total investment to $74 million.

The programme backs projects to install energy efficient lighting, improved heating and cooling systems, high efficiency biomass boilers and renewable energy technologies like photovoltaics, solar thermal and small wind turbines. Alternative fuelling stations and vehicles are also supported by the programme.

“These funds will provide public and non-profit entities with critical resources needed to make long-term investments that will reduce their energy costs and save taxpayers money,” said Governor Paterson.

Paterson, currently beset by scandal, has set the state ambitious conservation and renewable targets, pledging to cut electricity consumption 15% and increase renewables capacity to 45% by 2015.

For further information:
www.ny.gov/governor/
www.recovery.gov

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