GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES ENERGY-SAVING GEOTHERMAL POWER PROJECTS
11 Projects in Suffolk, Nassau and Queens to Provide More Than $1 million in Rebates

Governor George E. Pataki today visited Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead to announce 11 geothermal heating and cooling projects that will provide nearly $1,000,000 in rebates to commercial customers who install the systems during 2001 and 2002. The projects, sponsored by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), will also save the customers approximately $200,000 in annual electricity costs.

The electricity use savings from these geothermal projects in Suffolk and Nassau counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens will include more than half a megawatt of electricity during peak demand periods, or approximately 1.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually. That’s is enough electricity to power approximately 175 average-sized homes on Long Island. The electricity use reductions will help LIPA stretch its available electricity supply.

"New York State continues to lead the nation in promoting new and alternative energy sources that help protect and enhance the quality of our environment," Governor Pataki said. "Geothermal technology offers one of the most environmentally-friendly means of heating and cooling buildings B while also lowering energy costs for New York's consumers."

"This promising technology can play an important role in our efforts to ensure we have the power we need to continue to create jobs and offer consumers new ways to save money," the Governor said. "Whether its solar power or geothermal technology, we must continue to expand the menu of energy options for all New Yorkers."

Senator Kenneth Lavalle said, "The use of geothermal power at Atlantis Marine World has proven to be an efficient and cost effective energy source. This is encouraging news. I am pleased that six of the ten new geothermal systems to be installed on Long Island will be housed within the First Senatorial District. The systems will provide significant savings to the consumer and help LIPA meet Long Island's energy demand. It is my hope that, as we improve and expand upon alternative energy resources, Long Island will be in a better position to meet future energy needs."

Senator Carl L. Marcellino said, "Governor Pataki should be praised for creating the Clean Energy Initiative, and demonstrating the effectiveness of energy efficient systems. The ten Geothermal Power Projects in New York State will be a dynamic display of the Governor's commitment to the use of clean on-site energy applications. Under his leadership, New York is paving the way in the reduction of electricity costs that will serve as a model for the rest of the nation. Alternative energy sources, which are less expensive and cleaner, are a plus for the economy and a plus for the environment."

Assemblywoman Patricia L. Acampora said, "As the demand for energy increases, New York needs to take a leadership role in securing alternative energy technologies that are both clean and cost-effective. Long Island's geothermal heating and cooling projects are an excellent example of the new technologies that have come to fruition because of Governor Pataki's Clean Energy Initiative. The new systems provide a clean energy supply that will save consumers and reduce electric consumption. Projects like these exemplify the Governor's commitment to making New York State a leader in energy conservation."

Robert Gaffney, Suffolk County Executive, said, "Geothermal systems are widely recognized as one of the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems available. I commend Governor Pataki and LIPA for working hand in hand to initiate a program that will encourage commercial consumers to install these systems ultimately resulting in huge energy cost savings for business owners as well as helping to conserve LIPA's Energy supply."

Paul J. Tonna, Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislature, said, "Governor Pataki has to be commended for having the foresight to design and implement a long-term plan that promotes the business of alternative energy. By exploring clean and efficient alternatives, such as the use of geothermal energy, we make Long Island, and therefore Suffolk, cleaner and increasingly self-sufficient in regard our energy needs."

Robert Kozakiewicz, Riverhead Town Supervisor, said, "Innovation to protect the environment is what the Town of Riverhead has historically prided itself on and this new technology is yet another step toward preserving our natural resources and the energy that supplies our community."

Governor Pataki directed the implementation of LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) as part of the purchase of LILCO's electric transmission and distribution system. The five-year, $170 million initiative provides technical assistance and financial incentives to commercial customers who utilize geothermal technology for their heating and cooling needs. The program also provides rebates and incentives to residential and commercial customers to save electricity, and helps promote the development and use of clean energy alternatives such as wind, solar, fuel cells and geothermal.

LIPA Chairman Richard Kessel said, "Geothermal systems are a proven alternative energy technology that can help reduce the demand for electricity, save electric customers money, and reduce emissions from fossil fuel-powered generating plants. LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative is a prime example of how electric utilities in New York State can work with customers to incorporate alternative, renewable energy technologies in their development plans."

Sharks swimming in a tank whose water is temperature controlled by geothermal technology can be seen at Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead, along with placards that will explain the geothermal heating and cooling technology that control the shark tank environment to visitors. LIPA encouraged the use of the geothermal system when Atlantis Marine World was being designed. Since its installation, Atlantis has saved approximately $20,000 in energy costs and received a $52,500 rebate from LIPA for installing the geothermal system.

James Bissett, Atlantis Marine World Managing Partner, said, "The geothermal system that controls the temperatures in our shark tank and other display tanks makes perfect sense from both environmental and economic perspectives. It's in keeping with the environmental lessons we seek to teach and our desire to conserve resources while keeping our operating costs as low as possible. LIPA's geothermal system allows us to meet these goals."

The ten new geothermal systems announced today by Governor Pataki include:

Hewlett Woodmere HS: 520-ton system.

Peconic Landing: (a senior assisted living facility) 200-ton system.

Bridge Creek Apts. Far Rockaway Senior Housing: 60-ton system.

Colvert Street Townhouses, New Castle, lower income housing, 32-ton system.

South Folk Natural History Museum, Bridgehampton, 30-ton system.

Marriott Court Yard, Lake Ronkonkoma, 272-ton system. (nearing completion)

Nature Conservancy: an 8-ton system in Cold Spring Harbor and a 15-ton system in East Hampton.

Southampton Village Police Station: 42-ton system (nearing completion)

Southampton College (LIU) library: 90-ton system.

Tuckohoe School District, Hamptons: 72-ton system.

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