ALBANY - New York energy consumers who participate in the System Benefits Charge programs are saving $670 million in annual energy costs while significantly reducing emissions into the environment because of investments made through NYSERDA, according to a report issued today by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

The SBC funds a wide variety of programs to improve New York’s energy delivery system, enhance New York’s air quality, decrease New York’s reliance on fossil fuels, create jobs, and reduce costs for low-income New Yorkers.    The report released today is presenting progress on the SBC programs administered by NYSERDA, which are approved and overseen by the Public Service Commission.

Francis J. Murray, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said “The System Benefits Charge plays a critical role in helping to control the growth of energy costs for New York’s homeowners and businesses.  New York’s energy programs are nationally-recognized models for improving energy efficiency and are helping to meet the ambitious energy-reduction goals set by Governor David Paterson.”

The SBC-funded New York Energy $mart Program supports commercial/industrial energy efficiency, advanced technology research and development, low-income initiatives, residential energy initiatives, low income programs, and other initiatives.  Through year-end 2009, the Program:

• Customer savings.  Participating customers have saved nearly $670 million in annual energy costs.
• Jobs Created.  More than 4,900 jobs have been created or retained.
• Industries Expanded.  Between 2003-2009, the number of PV and small wind installers participating   in the New York Energy $mart program has increased from 14 to 181.  Research and Development investments have helped stimulate the growth of New York energy businesses, with each dollar spent on product development returning nearly $5 return for the economy.
• Reduced Energy Usage.  Peak demand reduction achieved through greater energy efficiency, renewable energy investments, and system-wide reliability initiatives.
• Renewable Energy.  Installation of 865 PV and 15 small wind systems.
• Support for Low Income New Yorkers.  More than 107,000 low-income customers received energy efficiency assistance resulting in $360 per year in average customer savings.
• Environmental Benefits.  The annual reduction of emissions resulting from energy savings is 3,090 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx), 5,710 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2), and 2.4 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), the equivalent of 480,000 cars taken off New York roads.
• Greater Energy Efficiency.  The program has helped increase the energy efficiency, and decrease energy usage and costs, for more than 1,300 new commercial buildings, 15,400 new homes, 29,600 existing homes, and 71,000 multifamily housing units.