Brooklyn, NY, February 9, 2005 - New York City is making the largest purchase of clean and renewable “Green Power” in its history.

 

At a ceremony held at BAT, officials said the City is buying approximately 3.7 million kilowatt-hours of “Green Power" per year to help power the two facilities. 

Event participants included EDC president Andrew M. Alper, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) president Peter R. Smith, and ConEdison Solutions chairman Steve Bram.  The ceremony was moderated by president and CEO JoAnn F. Ryan of ConEdison Solutions. 

The event also included high school science students from the High School of Telecommunications Arts and Technology in Bay Ridge.

"Green Power" is clean, renewable energy generated in New York State that is available to all residential, commercial, industrial and government energy users in New York City, as well as Westchester, Rockland, and Orange counties.

NYSERDA, a state agency, is supporting the "Green Power" initiative by providing funding for marketing support.

"The City of New York is demonstrating true leadership by tapping a record-setting amount of renewable energy for its facilities," said Ms. Ryan.  "Through its enlightened energy policies, New York City is setting an excellent example for government entities, businesses and households across the state.”

“This is an excellent example of the City leading by example, as recommended in Mayor Bloomberg’s energy policy released last year.  The City of New York recognizes the vital need to expand the use of renewable energy resources, and this purchase underscores our commitment to clean energy,” said Mr. Alper.  “By tapping ‘Green Power,' New York City is contributing to a more livable environment and is decreasing our nation’s dependence upon overseas energy supplies.”

“Governor Pataki has made an ambitious public policy commitment to expand the use of renewable energy in New York,” said NYSERDA’s Peter R. Smith.  “Thanks to that commitment, New York is now leading the way in offering opportunities for businesses and consumers to take advantage of 'Green Power' to improve our energy and environmental future.  Wind is the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy source, and we expect to develop over 500 megawatts of wind power here in New York as part of our commitment to achieving the Governor’s goal.”

Flanked by two rotating, ten-foot-tall windmills, the students joined other event participants in staging a symbolic "apple-lighting" ceremony by throwing a switch that illuminated a glowing, five-foot-wide "Green Apple" in BAT's 14,000-square-foot lobby. 

In addition to the New York City Economic Development Corporation, event participants recognized three Brooklyn companies -- The Brooklyn Brewery, Riverside Woodworks and Village Restaurant -- as "Green Power Pioneers."

ConEdison Solutions partners with Community Energy Inc., a leading marketer of pollution-free, wind-generated electricity, to bring "Green Power" to the New York City area.  The wind power consists of NewWind Energy®, a product of Community Energy, Inc.  Most of the energy is supplied from the 30-megawatt Fenner Wind Power Project, located east of Syracuse in upstate Madison County. 

ConEdison Solutions officials estimated that these purchases together deliver an environmental benefit equivalent to the planting of approximately 275,000 trees or reducing automobile usage by approximately 3.5 million miles per year.

"Green Power" used by commercial users consists entirely of NewWind Energy®.  Residential "Green Power" users also tap into hydropower generated by small, environmentally friendly hydro facilities in New York.  "Green Power" users can tap into the renewable energy sources using existing wiring and without the use of any special equipment.  Business or residential customers can sign up by calling 1-888-320-8991, or on-line at http://www.conedsolutions.com/.   Event sponsors pointed out that as more customers choose "Green Power," additional supply will be necessary.

About ConEdison Solutions

ConEdison Solutions is a leading energy services company that provides cost-effective energy solutions for commercial, industrial, residential, and government customers.  Based in White Plains, New York, with offices in Burlington, MA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Arlington, VA, the company’s dedicated team of energy professionals delivers a broad range of commodity, consulting, demand-side management and performance contracting services.  ConEdison Solutions creates customized programs and services tailored to help customers achieve their individual energy objectives.

ConEdison Solutions is a subsidiary and registered trademark of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED).  More information can be obtained by calling 1-888-210-8899 or by visiting the ConEdison Solutions web site at http://www.conedsolutions.com/.   Visit the Consolidated Edison, Inc. web site at http://www.conedison.com/  for information on all Consolidated Edison companies.

About the New York City Economic Development Corporation

The New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs.  EDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position.  EDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities.

About the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State Legislature.  NYSERDA has successfully developed and brought into use more than 140 innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally beneficial products, processes, and services.  NYSERDA also administers the New York Energy $mart^SM program, which assists the State's businesses and consumers in implementing energy efficiency measures.

About Community Energy

Community Energy, Inc. (CEI) is a leading marketer of wind-generated electricity, under the NewWind Energy® brand.  CEI markets power from 200 megawatts of wind energy

on-line in New York and the Mid-Atlantic.  CEI partners with retail electric suppliers, such as ConEdison Solutions, to offer a wind energy choice directly to consumers.  CEI cites its partners and customers, which include over 10,000 in New York State and many of the largest retail purchasers of wind energy in the country, as the reason for its success in bringing wind energy to market in new regions of the country.  CEI has wind projects under development in several states east of the Mississippi River, and nationally has over two billion kilowatt-hours of wind energy sales.   www.CommunityEnergy.biz

Editor's note:  We can provide electronic photos of windmills and the wind farm in Fenner, New York.  Please contact Cara Marino at The Marino Organization at 212-889-0808 x25, 914-715-6145, or cara@themarino.org.