ALBANY, NY — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced the launch of its Energy Smart Communities program in the state’s North Country. This program assists with energy-related community projects to improve energy efficiency and help create economic, environmental, and social benefits to communities. The program was developed to work alongside the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Rebuild America program.

“Governor Pataki has made it a priority for state government to partner with local communities to address energy, economic, and environmental issues,” said William M. Flynn, president of NYSERDA. “Through our Energy Smart Communities program, energy improvements can be identified and implemented through financial and technical assistance.”

The program has been in operation since 1998, with partnerships in such areas as Capital/Saratoga, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Southern Tier, Western New York, and now the North Country.

The coordinator for the North County program, Ann Heidenreich of Community Energy Services, said, “If we calculated our total energy expenditures for the North Country, we would find that our collective energy bill is huge. Saving even a small percentage of this through simple energy efficiency measures would contribute significantly to our economy. I am looking forward to working with communities across the North Country to explore ways to improve our economy and enhance quality of life by cutting our energy bills.”

For more information, visit www.nyserda.org or www.getenergysmart.org.

Publication date: 05/20/2002