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County awarded $500K grant for energy efficiency projects

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County has been awarded an energy-efficiency grant for $500,000, the maximum amount available under the program.

The grant was awarded by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The $500K will be used for energy efficiency projects in all 14 county facilities. No matching funds are required.

"This is the first step in a comprehensive energy efficiency program aimed at reducing our energy costs in the county," said Frank Ciaccia, assistant county manager, in a statement.

The county spends nearly $1 million a year on energy.

The first project will be a retrofit of the county buildings with energy efficient lighting and controls.

The project will net the county an immediate $31,000 in savings.

Previously: County planning to hire energy efficiency consultants

Bob Harker

The objective may be well intentioned, but the timing is horrible. NY is in a financial crises. Retrofits and upgrades such as this may be termed investments, but without question should be on the back burner.

Apr 5, 2010, 11:21pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I'm not clear on this based from the press release I was given this evening, but based on my previous reporting on this project, I think the $500,000 is actually federal stimulus money given to the state to hand out. Not that lessens the burden on taxpayers much, but I don't think this is something that ads to the state's budget deficit.

Apr 5, 2010, 11:27pm Permalink
Bob Harker

Thanks for the clarification, Howard.

We agree on the fact that is a burden on taxpayers during difficult times - whether it be at the state or federal level.

I still question the wisdom of investing that kind of money in a project with a 16 year payback based on current energy costs.

Apr 6, 2010, 7:10am Permalink
Jim Burns

Based on a history of rising energy cuts it may pay for its self in 10 years.
I don’t see the problem with the Fed putting money into, hopefully, local contractors doing some work. In fact this is some forward thinking that will save local tax dollars in the future, if implemented properly.

Apr 6, 2010, 9:00am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Just to be clear, the $31K in first-year savings I cited is just for one project. There will be other projects (I don't have details on those, and I suspect those will be arrived at with the consultant mentioned in the previous story).

Apr 6, 2010, 9:09am Permalink

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