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Energy System to Save New Yorkers Money
8/12/2005 2:00:00 PM
Governor George E. Pataki announced the installation of an innovative new energy
conservation system for State offices throughout New York that will save more than
$500,000 annually and help meet the Governor's ambitious goal of reducing State energy
consumption by 35 percent by 2010.
The WebEnabled Advanced Metering System, known as WEAMS, allows for monitoring of
all types of energy use and has already been installed statewide in 50 State office
buildings, including the Empire State Plaza complex in Albany. The new system holds the
potential to achieve even greater energy savings in the future.
"New York State has been steering a consistent course toward energy conservation and
this new system, one of the largest of its kind in the country, is another example of how
we are using innovation to increase fuel efficiency at our facilities while continuing to
serve the energy needs of State government," Governor Pataki said. "New York continues
to lead the way in energy efficiency by promoting the development and use of clean
energy and renewable energy technologies and improving our current energy
management practices."
WEAM is comprised of an efficient combination of new and existing hardware, including
169 new high capability and high accuracy electric meters and associated
telecommunications support. The system will allow for realtime collection, analysis and
manipulation of energy consumption, including electric, gas and water use, for the
purposes of reducing the State's energy consumption and cost. It is additionally designed
for future growth to monitor steam, chilled water and oil usage.
The $2.7 million system, provided through an agreement with Select Energy and Power
Measurement leading providers of energy management systems, has been installed in
all Office of General Services (OGS) managed buildings. It was paid for in part by a
$350,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
(NYSERDA) and a $250,000 grant from the Petroleum Overcharge Restitution Fund,
which is administered by the New York Power Authority.
The system is supported throughout the State by a number of utilities including, Con
Edison, LIPA, Niagara Mohawk, NYSEG, Keyspan, National Fuel and Central Hudson Gas
and Electric.
State OGS Commissioner Daniel D. Hogan said, "Since Governor Pataki signed his
Executive Order 111, OGS has decreased energy use in its facilities by more than 32%
and we will continue to look at innovative ways to meet and possibly exceed the
Governor's aggressive goals in the future."
NYPA Chairman Joseph Seymour said, "Governor Pataki is leading the Empire State's
expanded use of new energy saving technologies which are economically sound and
environmentally sensitive. Improving the energyefficiency of state office buildings is a
fundamental part of that comprehensive effort."
NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith said, "This project is a great example of how we are
working together to establish publicprivate partnerships across the State to leverage
resources for the benefit of all New Yorkers. As Chair of the Advisory Council on State
Energy Efficiency, NYSERDA is proud to move Governor Pataki's energy efficiency goals
forward through this innovative program that is utilizing private industry partners, the
utilities, serving our State and our fellow State agencies and Authorities."
The Governor's Executive Order 111, calling for "Green and Clean" State Buildings and
Vehicles, requires a 35 percent reduction in energy use in State buildings by 2010. OGS
is currently approaching this goal by decreasing energy use in its facilities by more than
32 percent, based on 1990 consumption levels. OGS has undertaken a number of energy
initiatives in partnership with NYPA and NYSERDA, which have combined to result in
reduced energy consumption and improved energy efficiency.
Initiatives include, conservation through preventative maintenance, energy related capital
upgrades, measuring energy performance, competitive energy procurement, exploration
of grants and incentives and strategic energy planning.
Executive Order 111 also encourages local governments to set similar energy
conservation goals and directs OGS, NYPA, NYSERDA and other State agencies to assist
local governments and schools in their efforts.
As a result of the Executive Order, OGS evaluated all of its facilities statewide and
