"BE COOL" INCENTIVE HELPS CON EDISON CUSTOMERS SAVE ENERGY.

New York City and Westchester County have always had a cool vibe, but come summer they are quite the hot spot. To beat the heat without wasting energy, New Yorkers can now turn in old air conditioners and earn financial incentives on ENERGY STAR(R) qualified models.

This summer the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) BE COOL campaign makes it easier for New Yorkers to save energy. Single- and multi-family residential customers of Con Edison electric service in New York City and Westchester County who turn in an old, working room air conditioner and purchase a new ENERGY STAR qualified model can earn a financial reward. Those turning in a window-based room air conditioning unit may earn $35 for each unit and those turning in a through-the-wall air conditioning unit may earn $100 for each unit when they purchase a new ENERGY STAR model.

Residents just need to bring their old unit to an authorized drop off site or retailer location, where the units will be properly recycled and residents will receive a mail-in application for the incentive. Managers of multi- family buildings may contact NYSERDA directly to complete a change-out of all the units in their building.

The savings to New York City residents go far beyond the initial incentive. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to cooling and heating. Additionally, ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use 10 to 25 percent less energy than a conventional new model or up to 40 percent less energy than a 10-year-old unit. Additionally, ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners often include timers or programmable thermostats for better temperature control, allowing residents to use the minimum amount of energy needed to cool a room, and to cool the room only when it's really needed.

"NYSERDA's BE COOL campaign represents a huge opportunity for New Yorkers to reduce both their energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as save money," said Peter R. Smith, president and CEO of NYSERDA. "With just a few simple changes, New Yorkers can use their air conditioners without wasting energy. It's really the way to 'be cool' this summer."

"Con Edison customers can keep cool this summer and help reduce pollutants by properly recycling their old air conditioners and buying ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioners," said Rebecca Craft, director of energy efficiency programs for Con Edison. "ENERGY STAR qualified appliances use energy efficiently and the BE COOL reward is an added incentive."

New Yorkers who are not eligible for the incentive can still save energy during the summer by using timers on air conditioners and lights; closing shades or curtains on windows that receive direct afternoon sun; using ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) instead of wasteful, heat- generating incandescent bulbs; and always looking for the ENERGY STAR when purchasing appliances and air conditioning products. Also, by shifting energy-intensive tasks such as dishwashing and clothes washing to cooler early morning or late night hours, New Yorkers can help reduce mid-afternoon heat build-up and make sure there is enough electricity for everyone during the hottest part of the day.

The message is hip, but the results are serious. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if one out of 10 families in the United States used cooling and heating equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR, the change would keep more than 17 billion pounds of pollution out of the air. Additionally, properly sizing new units, recycling old ones and taking simple steps to be more energy efficient at home increases the savings.

"The New York Power Authority's energy efficiency programs, on behalf of its public sector partners, have contributed to significant energy savings across the state. Working with NYSERDA, New York City and Con Edison to provide consumers with the tools to save energy in the home will have a positive effect this summer," said Timothy S. Carey, president and CEO of the New York Power Authority.

NYSERDA is also coordinating with New York City's plaNYC effort to make New York City more sustainable and plan for the year 2030.

"I urge all New Yorkers to take advantage of these programs to make saving energy even more cost-effective," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "By taking these easy steps in their homes, New Yorkers can lower their electricity bills, help prevent blackouts, and help prevent climate change. Helping consumers save energy is a key component of our plaNYC effort to build a greener, greater New York, and we are proud to be working with NYSERDA on this program."

Visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278) for more information about BE COOL and other summer energy saving tips.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy.

NYPA is the Empire State's largest supplier of electricity and provides energy-saving services and clean energy technologies to public institutions such as schools, hospitals and universities.

For more information, visit http://www.nypa.gov or call 1-866-NYSERDA, ext. 3359 or 978/525-3742.