10,000th Refrigerator Recycled in Upstate New York

SYRACUSE, NY (06/15/2011)(readMedia)-- National Grid New York is celebrating the 10,000th appliance processed through its 10 month old appliance recycling program. This milestone is an important step in increasing energy efficiency in upstate New York. By removing these older, inefficient appliances from the grid customers are saving up to $150 a year in their utility bills. In addition, the customers benefit by receiving a $30 incentive reward. The removal of these units will save customers an estimated $1.5 million annually.

Earlier this year, New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric .joined National Grid in launching a cooperative refrigerator recycling program. Collectively, all three programs could yield upwards to 15,000 or more appliances processed by the end of 2011 for upstate New York. The avoidance of carbon dioxide emissions as a result of recycling the estimated 15,000 units is equal to removing 30,000 cars from the road for a year.

"Appliance recycling programs benefit customers and their community in many ways. Our customers will not only save money and energy, but help preserve the environment by not wasting natural resources," said Melanie Littlejohn, Director of Community & Customer Relations for the eastern New York.

Units are picked up free of charge and then transported to a de-manufacturing facility in Syracuse. There toxins, such as mercury, and oils that poison the environment when refrigerators and freezers are otherwise recklessly discarded. Instead, the recycling process converts 95% of each appliance into recyclable metals, glass and plastics. Foam insulation is safely incinerated to generate electricity, returning back to the grid some of the energy the old appliances wasted over the years.

"You could very well be driving over someone's old refrigerator. Metals from the appliances are recycled in rebar used in roadways. Other recycled parts are turned into nails, aluminum cans and plastics for electronics to name a few. It's amazing what can be made out of recycled parts," Littlejohn said.

Since 2001, federal standards require new refrigerators and freezers to consume much less energy. Current models use about 450 kilowatt-hours (kwh) annually, compared to older units that can use, on average, 1,500 kwh per year.

Refrigerators and stand-alone freezers are eligible for the recycling program, which covers the removal of up to two units per household. Appliances to be recycled must be in working order with an inside measurement of 10 cubic feet or more.

For more information and to schedule a free pickup, National Grid, NYSEG and RG&E customers can call 1-877-691-0021 (toll free) or visit their energy provider's website.

About National Grid

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.

About NYSEG, RG&E and Iberdrola USA

NYSEG and RG&E are subsidiaries of Iberdrola USA. NYSEG serves 878,000 electricity customers and 261,000 natural gas customers across more than 40% of upstate New York. RG&E serves 367,000 electricity customers and 303,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region centered on the City of Rochester. Iberdrola USA, a subsidiary of global energy leader Iberdrola, S.A., is an energy services and delivery company with more than 2.4 million customers in upstate New York and New England. We are a team of dedicated individuals working as one to deliver value to our customers, employees and shareholders. By providing outstanding customer service and exceptional reliability, while holding safety and the environment in high regard, we aspire to be a world-class energy company. For more information, visit www.nyseg.com, www.rge.com and www.iberdrolausa.com.

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