Town Board reviews energy saving options
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The Amherst Energy Conservation Advisory Committee unanimously recommended in April that the Town Board review the New York Power Authority's energy savings program.

Joseph Cini, a conservation program engineer with NYPA, presented that program to the Amherst Town Board at Monday's work session.

The NYPA has been helping public entities, such as schools and municipalities, identify areas where energy is being wasted, and assist with the installation of improved systems.

"At this point we are investing $130 million each year," Cini said, adding that the program has been growing 10 to 15 percent annually.

NYPA would do a feasibility study for the town, followed by a detailed design of changes. The town then decides if it wants to enter into an agreement to complete the work.

The town doesn't pay up front, and the program is designed so that the town could repay NYPA with money it is saving in energy costs.

The Williamsville Central School District has entered into an agreement with NYPA, which will begin work in the district's buildings in the coming months.

Supervisor Satish Mohan said the town is already working with Siemens Energy & Automation, mainly in trying to save costs at the Pepsi Center.

When asked about a possible conflict, Town Attorney Tom Jones said the town is still under contract with Siemens, but at the meeting he was unsure of a conflict.

Mohan said Phase I of the Siemens contract is complete, with lighting issues addressed. He said Phase II focuses on the waste water treatment plant on Tonawanda Creek Road.

"Several technologies have changed since the Siemens contract," he said, adding that he believes it was signed in 2000.

Mohan said he also wants to look into National Grid's energy conservation program. His understanding is that the town is not charged, and the two entities save by profit sharing.

When asked if he planned to bring a National Grid speaker to a work session, Mohan said he would try.

"NYPA is doing the same as Siemens. They give an analysis and then give the price for upgrading the features, then charge us," Mohan said. "NYPA would give us some numbers and X number of years to pay it."

He added that if the savings aren't realized, the town still has to pay for the work.

Mohan said the town has not made a decision and would wait for a proposal.

On Tuesday, Mohan had a meeting with the Amherst Utility Cooperative and learned the town's expenses for 2008 energy utilities are $4.8 million - $3 million for lighting and $1.8 million for gas.