Milford School Gets Energy Grant

The Milford Central School system will see a big boost in its energy efficiency as a result of a $100,000 grant announced today by State Senator James L. Seward.

"Schools serve many purposes, support various activities, and are open for public use -- in addition to school functions. A grant for energy efficiency will be a big help to controlling costs and reducing pressure on the school's budget.

"The school is a key center of our community, and its value is enhanced by energy efficiency efforts," Seward added.

The senator noted that the school already features energy-efficient lighting and motion sensors in classrooms and hallways.

The award follows completion of an enegy audit performed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) under the "Power to Schools" program. The report concluded that the school’s 95,400-square-foot building would save more than $5,000 a year on its energy costs by changing the metal halide light bulbs in the gymnasium and replacing them with more energy efficient T-5 florescent high bay fixtures and occupancy sensors.

"The upgraded lighting and occupancy sensors in the gymnasium will further add to the building’s efficient energy use," added Seward, a former chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee. As chairman, Seward promoted the use of overcharge dollars to fund energy efficiency projects.

No tax dollars fund the grant. It is financed by New York State’s share of Petroleum Overcharge Restitution (POCR) funds recovered in federal court cases to compensate consumers who were unfairly overcharged by major oil companies in the 1980s. In New York State, the New York Power Authority administers the funds, which have been earmarked to defray the costs of energy-efficiency programs.