Senator Addabbo discusses new ENERGY cost-saving initiatives for small businesses with community leaders on earth day

Senator Addabbo discusses new ENERGY cost-saving initiatives for small businesses with community leaders on earth day

Teams with Local Electeds, Con Ed and National Grid

Queens, NY, April 27, 2010 -- On Thursday, April 22, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., held a Roundtable discussion to inform local small businesses, civic leaders and Chamber of Commerce presidents about vital energy cost-saving strategies they can use to save thousands of dollars a year.

As part of a broader movement to go green this Earth Day, the Senator was joined by NYS Assemblyman Mike Miller, NYC Councilwoman Liz Crowley and representatives from Con Edison and National Grid to discuss what local businesses can do to go green and cut costs.

Today, only a fraction of eligible businesses take advantage of free Con Ed and National Grid energy surveys that can substantially reduce their energy costs, from anywhere between 8 and 40 percent. For example, of Con Ed's 280,000 eligible customers, only 21,000 have requested surveys, less than 8 percent.

Con Ed offers an expansive array of affordable energy-saving options to businesses including a free on-site energy efficiency survey and free energy savings upgrades. Additionally, they cover 70 percent of installation costs for energy-saving upgrades. Similarly, National Grid has several programs to enable businesses to reduce carbon emissions, go green, and cut costs.

Some small businesses have already taken advantage of such savings. A survey conducted by Con Edison of a catering business in Queens showed how they could easily obtain annual cost savings of $12,750 for only a one-time cost of $974.

“Small businesses across Queens stand to save thousands of dollars a year through taking advantage of these simple and affordable measures,” said Senator Addabbo. “We need to make an aggressive effort to assist our small businesses in our communities. Also, as we move into the 21^st century, we must continue to explore new ways to protect our planet.”

NYS Assemblyman Mike Miller said, “Every little bit helps, whether we are talking about a small business's bottom line or protecting our environment.”

"I commend Senator Addabbo and my colleagues for bringing together this important roundtable in support of our small businesses. Our City’s economic recovery will be driven in large part by our small businesses, making it in our best interest to support them," said NYC Council Member Elizabeth Crowley.

Con Ed Representative Ryan Southard said, “With Con Edison footing upwards of 70% of the tab for energy conservation measures, our Small Business Direct Install Program is a great win for small businesses and for the environment. We’re grateful to Senator Addabbo for convening the roundtable and working diligently with us to promote energy efficiency for small businesses in Queens .”

“National Grid is happy to work with businesses to help them save energy, improve efficiency and reduce the bottom line," said Joe Rende, Vice President of Energy Solutions Delivery at National Grid. "The Roundtable discussions are a great opportunity for us to provide information about energy efficiency programs and other initiatives and learn more about how we can help our customers.”

Pearle Vision's owner, Anthony Presti, expressed delight with his past Con Edison energy survey. "It was seamless, they went in to survey, were out fast and it was simple. I heard about it from a nearby business owner who had big savings. Con Edison changed my light bulbs--I saved 40% or better. I saved $20,000 in 4 years. My other store in Jackson Heights is five times larger than my Ozone Park location, but now I only have a $1,100 monthly bill. I'll put my kids through college with $20K saved here and there."

Addabbo concluded, "These programs have been underutilized and we need to continue to encourage small business owners to take advantage of these free services provided by Con Ed and National Grid. There is no central place for business owners to go to research energy efficient savings measures, which is why I am hosting two informational sessions later this month.”

The Senator's two informational sessions for small businesses, where they can sign up for a free energy survey with Con Edison and National Grid, will be held on May 6 at St. Mary Gate of Heaven School Auditorium, 104-06 101 Avenue, Ozone Park, from 7-9 PM. The other will be on May 13 at Glendale Memorial Building, 72-02 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, from 7-9 PM.

For more information, please visit: http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/joseph-p-addabbo-jr or call the Senator's Howard Beach district office at 718-738-1111, to speak with Pete DeLucia.