Central Hudson's Efficiency Program Gets Boost

ALBANY, NY (08/18/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today authorized Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation (Central Hudson) to spend up to $3.5 million this year to assist small and mid-sized business customers that want to make their businesses more energy efficient.

"Our decision today allows these very successful programs, which have received overwhelming positive responses from the local business community, to continue unimpeded," said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. "A failure to approve the additional funding would have led to permanent lost energy savings, job losses and harm to the achievement of our energy efficiency goals."

In its order, the Commission authorized Central Hudson to spend $2.5 million for customer incentives in the electric small business program and up to $1 million in the electric mid-size business program.

The small business program targets customers with average electricity demand up to 100 kW, and the mid-size business program targets customers with demand from 100 to 350 kW. Both programs promote cost-effective lighting improvements by offering participants technical and financial assistance as well as direct installation of lighting equipment to make their facilities more energy efficient and reduce their electricity bills.

Central Hudson made the request for the additional funds because it had estimated that at the present rate of commitment to participants that have outstanding applications, the remainder of the funds will be committed this summer, thus leaving no funding available for the remainder of the year. Central Hudson expressed concern that any slowdown or discontinuation of the programs would hamper its efforts in meeting the Commission's energy efficiency objectives. The programs contribute to "green collar" job creation.

There remains strong demand for the programs' services. Central Hudson currently has about 650 commercial electric customers that have received energy audits but have not yet installed energy efficiency measures under the program. Central Hudson reported that the average reduction in annual electric usage in its territory has decreased by about 23 percent for a participant in the small business program and about 11 percent for a participant in the mid-sized business program.

The additional funding will be used only for customer incentives/rebates and will not be used for any additional administration, marketing, trade ally training, implementation or evaluation funding.

The Commission's decision today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's Web site at www.dps.state.ny.us and entering Case Number 07-M-0548 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500).

-30-