LIPA & NY Islanders Launch “ENERGY STAR® Idol” Talent Contest
LIPA and the Islanders Use Sports and Song to Encourage Energy Efficient
Lifestyles on Long Island
Seaford, NY—November 21, 2006—Get ready for the next generation of
singing sensations and make way for Long Island’s first ENERGY STAR® Idols.
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and the New York Islanders are teaming up
to “discover” the next hot new singing talents on Long Island in the first ever
“ENERGY STAR Idol” contest. As part of a unique partnership that seeks to
educate youngsters about the environmental benefits of energy efficiency. LIPA
and Long Island’s very own National Hockey League team the Islanders, are
looking for Long Island children under 18 to woo judges with their version of
the song “I am an ENERGY STAR.” The singing contest kicks off November 21, 2006 throughout Long Island and
youngsters can visit www.lipower.org/cei
or www.newyorkislanders.com to
download the song and lyrics and contest rules. Kids ages 18 and under living in
LIPA’s service area can participate in the contest by singing their own version
of LIPA’s “I am an Energy Star” theme song and submitting a video of the
performance by March 15, 2007 or making a recording at upcoming auditions at
selected locations to be announced in December, January and February.
LIPA and the NY Islanders would like to hold talent auditions at local schools.
Schools that are interested can sign up at
www.lipower.org/cei. LIPA will randomly select several schools to
participate.
Winners will be announced in April 2007 and contest winners will appear in
LIPA’s upcoming energy efficiency advertising campaign. Each winner will also
receive an Energy Star rated Macintosh laptop computer. Eligible participants are encouraged to send their tape to: I am an Energy Star
Contest, Customer Service, 1575 North Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720. All
entries must be submitted by March 15, 2007. “When it comes to environmental and energy issues, we need to help our future
generations prepare,” said Richard Kessel, LIPA Chairman. “Energy efficiency,
singing and hockey may seem like an unusual combination but our goal is to make
this contest and its message unforgettable and fun.” said Mr. Kessel. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports the contest and theme
song as part of its national ENERGY STAR program to encourage the wise use of
energy through products and services that have earned the ENERGY STAR label.
Mike Milbury, Sr. Vice President of Sports Properties for the New York Islanders
says the team will host special events and in-game promotions throughout the
2006-2007 season to promote the contest and other LIPA Clean Energy Initiatives. “We’re especially proud of our commitment to energy education and the literacy
of students on Long Island. With LIPA as our partner, we have a unique
opportunity to help the youth in our communities,” said Mr. Milbury. "It's terrific to see sports role models working to advance energy education in
our youth,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for
the Environment. “The Islanders clearly understand the power of teamwork and
having them team up with LIPA to promote clean energy sounds like a win to me.
Energy efficiency saves us money while saving the environment. This is an
innovative and effective way to reach out and educate the next generation so
they can make the right energy choices." "Today's students are tomorrow's energy consumer; that’s why it is so important
to educate them on energy efficiency and responsible energy use today," said
Gordian Raacke, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island, a
not-for-profit organization promoting sustainable energy use. "These kids are
singing to save their future and our planet and I hope that people will listen." "Hempstead Town is enthusiastic in its support of LIPA and the Islanders in the
'Energy Star Idol' talent contest," said Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray.
"I can't think of more worthy idols than young people who are using their
talents to help ensure a 'greener and cleaner' planet." “This is a creative new program that teaches children about the importance of
energy conservation while giving them the opportunity to showcase their
talents,” said Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District). “ENERGY
STAR Idol will allow us to promote the use of cleaner and more energy efficient
technology and help reduce energy costs to ratepayers.” “Anyone who lives on Long Island must be keenly aware of the importance of the
environment to our quality of life. Whether it is the New York Islanders, LIPA
or our children who represent 100% of our future, it is essential to promote
protecting our water resources, unique coastlines and beaches, and our air,”
said Nassau Legislator Dave Denenberg. “Solving our energy needs, while
protecting our environment, is a tremendous challenge that our future
generations must meet. So much the better for asking our children to think about
the challenge now.”
"The Town of Hempstead has a host of beautiful natural resources," said
Councilwoman Angie Cullin. "This program will help to preserve our precious
environment." “I think it’s a great program. It is a nice way to get people involved who
wouldn’t normally be involved,” said Nassau Legislature Dennis Dunne. “Educating
the kids helps to educate the adults. I believe everyone should start buying
only Energy Star products. This contest is exciting and I’m happy to be involved
with it.” For more information about becoming an Energy Star contestant or to learn more
about electric conservation, visit LIPA’s Web site at,
www.lipower.org/cei. Or call
1877-ESTARLI. (1-877-378-2754). |
