New Paltz - Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Kingston,) Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, announced that SUNY New Paltz and the Town of Esopus have been awarded funding for the installation of solar electric systems that are expected to save thousands of dollars a year. This American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding was made available through NYSERDA to municipalities, public schools and universities to improve efficiency through renewable energy, clean fleet projects, and other alternative energy initiatives.

"Investments in efficiency, conservation and alternative energy offer the clearest path to economic security and energy independence," said Assemblyman Cahill. "This funding was a great opportunity for our local governments, public schools and universities to take on common sense and cost effective measures that will provide immediate and permanent savings to taxpayers through a reduction in energy costs. I am pleased that SUNY New Paltz and the Town of Esopus were able to take advantage."

Through RFP 1613, NYSERDA made $6.8 million available to entities located in the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. SUNY New Paltz was awarded $291,220 to pay for the installation of a 47 kilowatt photovoltaic system that is expected to save the college nearly $12,000 a year. The Town of Esopus will see a savings of nearly $5,000 a year with the installation of a 23 kilowatt photovoltaic system for which they will receive $96,790 in State Energy Program funding.

"Energy costs make up a significant percentage of the budgets of our local governments and universities," said Assemblyman Cahill. "By helping to implement cost saving efficiency measures we can reduce the burden on property taxpayers and contribute to the development of the clean energy economy."

NYSERDA distributed $40 million worth of funding to 118 projects around the State. The projects, which were competitively selected under the State Energy Program, represent the second round of funding this program. In the first round, announced in November, $24 million was awarded to support 87 energy conservation projects. Primary selection criteria include technical viability, cost-effectiveness, demonstration of compliance with program requirements, and cost sharing. Measures funded this round include installation of lighting and lighting controls, photovoltaic systems, high efficiency biomass boilers, solar thermal and small wind generators and alternative-fuel refueling stations and vehicles.

For more information about RFP 1613 visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1613rfp.asp.