EnerPath Strengthens Communities Around the Country With Energy Efficiency Programs

REDLANDS, Calif., Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Utility companies across the country are turning to California-based EnerPath to run energy efficiency programs and reduce their electricity demand. One of those programs, the New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) Small Business Energy Efficiency Program, recently reached a landmark of enrolling customers who will realize more than 10 million kilowatt-hours of annual electricity savings. The savings is equivalent to the electricity used by nearly 1,000 U.S. homes each year.

Energy efficiency programs are increasing in popularity with utilities across the country. As states strive to meet Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards, Public Utility Commissions recognize that it is more cost effective to reduce usage through efficiency than to produce more energy. Besides reducing energy usage, efficiency programs strengthen the local economy by creating jobs and lowering operating costs for business owners and families.

City and town governments are also increasingly turning to energy efficiency programs to lower their overhead costs and improve their environmental stewardship. Recently the City of Rochester, NY announced its participation in the RG&E Small Business Energy Efficiency Program. By enrolling in the program that will upgrade the lighting in 27 city buildings, the city expects to save approximately $30,000 a year in utility bills. The city had already started retrofitting the lighting in many of its buildings and understood the value of the program offered by RG&E. "The City of Rochester is committed to the highest standards of energy efficiency," Deputy Mayor Thomas Richards said. "We are pleased to participate in this tremendous program offered by RG&E in partnership with EnerPath, which will result in thousands of dollars of savings and help us work toward our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." At a city press conference, officials also recognized RG&E and EnerPath for bringing jobs to the region, by hiring local employees and contractors to implement the program.

City officials are urging small businesses to participate in the program. Cheesy Eddie's Bakery was an early program participant. John Baker, owner of the pastry shop, enrolled as soon as he heard about the program in the summer of 2010.  He will recoup his investment in just 17 months. He participated because of the energy savings but quickly saw other benefits. "It's much brighter and everything works," Baker said. "I don't have to come in and change a light bulb every week like I used to and everyone loves the fact that their work area is more well lit now."

The success in the New York program comes from EnerPath's 20 years of experience in the energy efficiency business supported by its energy-services management software and unique mobile technology. Each year EnerPath helps tens-of-thousands of homes and small businesses become more energy efficient through their customer engagement programs.  EnerPath works with some of the nation's largest public and municipally owned utilities including Southern California Edison, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Rochester Gas & Electric, New York Electric & Gas and CPS Energy in delivering energy efficiency programs that engage customers, and create permanent energy reduction.

SOURCE EnerPath