Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Independent Energy Efficiency Program is offering rebates and deals that will help Solvay Electric Department customers save money and cut their energy costs.
“If you’re living in Solvay or a member of the system, you should be taking advantage of these,” said John Montone, superintendent of Solvay Electric.
The IEEP is comprised of several municipally owned electric departments in New York state that are committed to energy efficient technology. Solvay, which serves 5,300 customers, is the third largest public power system in the state.
Here’s a look at what the IEEP has to offer:
Ö A rebate program for energy-efficient air conditioners, electric water heaters, appliances, windows and doors.
Ö An attic insulation program. Call Solvay Electric Department to schedule an inspection. If the insulation is less than eight inches, a contractor will schedule an appointment to put in additional insulation at no cost to the customer.
There’s also a 50/50 match for wall insulation, and zero-interest loans are available.
Ö An LED lighting program is available for commercial customers for parking lots or wall packs on the sides of buildings. Businesses can also have a free inspection to see if their lighting is energy efficient.
Ö A solar panel program. The IEEP will provide a rebate for 50 percent of the cost of installing solar panels. The program applies to both new and old homes.
Ö A light bulb program. Customers can visit the Solvay Electric Department’s supply store, show their bill, and receive a light bulb that uses 75 percent less energy and lasts 10 times longer than standard bulbs. Customers are entitled to one free bulb, with the option to purchase more at a discounted price.
Montone said the department is willing to work with customers who want to install windmills or use geothermal technology. Low- or zero-interest loans are available for most projects.
“We’ll be inventive, if customers come up an idea,” Montone said. “If someone wants to use a geothermal energy, for example, we’re willing to work with them on that and come up with some kind of rebate system for them.”
To learn more, call the IEEP at 800-263-0960. The Solvay Electric Department can be reached at 468-6229.
The Solvay Village Board approved the purchase of 46 megawatts of “Ten Year Fixed Price Transmission Congestion Credits” – known as TCCs – from New York’s Independent System Operator and billed through the New York Power Authority. The TCC cost is $10,326.60 per megawatt, and the estimated monthly cost for the village is $39,212 starting in November.
Montone said the purchase is an “insurance policy” that will ensure that the congestion charges that Solvay receives on its transmission delivery charges will stay fixed. That will help Solvay set its budget, and Montone said customers won’t notice any drastic changes to their bills.
Matt Michael can be reached at 470-3085 or mmichael@syracuse.com.
