ALBANY, N.Y. - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is holding nine statewide forums to give residents and businesses the chance to learn more about $875 million in funding available through the New York Energy $mart program to improve energy efficiency in their homes and companies.

NYSERDA program directors and staff will be available to provide New York businesses, industries, municipalities, and residents information on how to take advantage of this public benefit program.

"NYSERDA encourages people to attend these forums to learn about the financial and technical assistance available to help them reduce their energy costs," said Peter R. Smith, president and CEO of NYSERDA. "Residents and businesses will receive information from NYSERDA's staff about the different programs and services available, and how to participate."

Estimated impacts of the program to date show NYSERDA reduced annual energy use by more than 1,700 million kilowatt hours and reduced energy demand by more than 1,000 megawatts. This is equivalent to serving the average annual electricity needs of approximately 240,000 homes. These programs are reducing energy expenses for consumers by more than $230 million a year and eliminating 1,500 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions, more than 2,700 tons of sulfur emissions, and more than 1.1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Annually, these programs are expected to help create and retain about 4,450 new jobs in the state's retail and service sectors, as well as keeping energy dollars in local economies where they can be reinvested into businesses and communities.

NYSERDA's forums are being held in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Albany, Westchester, Bronx, and Brooklyn during the month of March. For more information, visit www.nyserda.org or www.GetEnergySmart.org.

Publication date: 03/20/2006