President George W. Bush Speaks at Energy Efficiency Forum

On June 15, Johnson Controls and the United States Energy Association sponsored the 16th annual Energy Efficiency Forum, entitled "Energy Efficiency: Understanding the Urgency," in Washington, D.C. President George W. Bush, in his keynote address, emphasized the need to pass a national energy policy. Along with discussing research, coal and nuclear energy, the President stated that energy efficiency is "critical for our economy and it's critical for the future of this nation." He later said, "The first step toward making America less dependent on foreign oil is to improve conservation and efficiency." Download President Bush's keynote address.

Gil Quiniones, Senior Vice President of Energy and Telecommunications at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), also spoke at the event. His presentation focused on the initiatives of the New York City Energy Policy Task Force, which he chairs.

City's Summer Energy Outlook is Favorable

The New York Independent Systems Operator (NYISO) announced on April 20 that New York will have adequate capacity to meet the summer's peak load demand. The organization expects peak electricity demand to reach 31,960 MW this summer, up from 31,400 in the summer of 2004. Statewide, the NYISO expects to have a 1,522 MW margin over its minimum requirements, while New York City and Long Island, respectively, should have 330 MW and 240 MW over their minimum requirements. The NYISO did issue a warning about long-range power supplies, especially in New York City and Long Island, citing possible shortfalls beginning between 2008 and 2011.

View > Summer 2005 Power Supply Outlook

NYS Legislature Approves Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Standards Act of 2005

On June 23, the New York State Assembly joined the State Senate in overwhelmingly approving energy efficiency standards legislation. This bill, the "Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Standards Act of 2005," amends the Energy Law to add a new Article 16 that directs the New York Department of State, in consultation with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), to promulgate energy efficiency performance standards for certain new appliances and equipment not presently regulated by the federal government for energy efficiency. The performance standards apply to new products sold or offered for sale in New York State.

Status of Federal Energy Bill

The House of Representatives passed a comprehensive energy bill, H.R.6, in April. The Senate overwhelmingly passed its own version of the energy bill on June 28. These bills differ in many respects, including drilling in the Arctic, renewable energy requirements, protection of MTBE producers from liability, energy efficiency and language on global warming. Specifically, the Senate-approved bill includes $14 billion in tax incentives for oil and gas production as well as development of renewable energy sources, including wind and solar. It also includes incentives for energy efficiency and hybrid vehicles. Other topics both bills discuss include energy security, transmission grid reliability and federal siting authority for transmission lines and liquefied natural gas terminals. The prospects for final passage are considered better than in past years, but many conflicts will need to be resolved before enactment. The City has a vital interest in a number of the issues involved, and will be closely monitoring the bills.

NYC Teachers Receive Energy Efficiency Curriculum Training

On May 14, NYCEDC hosted 55 New York City school teachers to participate in the nationally recognized NEED (National Energy Education Development) program. NEED trains teachers to give science and energy conservation lessons, including exciting hands-on activities. The teachers came from all five boroughs and covered many grade levels. NYCEDC's Energy Department plans to host more NEED events in the future. If you are interested in participating, contact Mason Almeida at 212.312.3773.

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New York City Telecommunications Policy Released

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced, on April 22, a new, comprehensive plan to improve the City's telecommunications infrastructure and spur the growth of new telecommunications businesses in the City. "Telecommunications and Economic Development in New York City: A Plan for Action," is a result of the collaborative efforts of NYCEDC, the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) and the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), and recommends 21 specific initiatives the City should undertake over the next two to five years, many in cooperation with the State and the private sector. One major recommendation is that the City work with private broadband and telecom providers to pilot innovative ways to deploy broadband services and educate businesses about the uses of this technology.

New Demand-Side Management Programs

On May 2, NYCEDC began a series of collaborative meetings with other parties, including Con Edison, the New York State Public Service Commission, NYSERDA and the Natural Resources Defense Council, among others, to design the implementation of new electric demand-side management programs created in the Con Edison Electric Rate Order ("Order"). Approved by the PSC on March 16, the Order outlined a structure through which up to $250 million in rate-payer funds will be spent by Con Edison to achieve up to 675 MW of demand reduction over the three years of the rate plan. Of the 675 MW total, Con Edison will target 150 MW at congested areas of the network in order to defer or eliminate the need for system upgrades.

NYCEDC and the other parties are scheduled to complete the design of these new programs by the end of June, with an anticipated beginning of the programs by the end of the summer. Maximizing the use of demand-side management, or distributed resources, is a major focus of the recommendations in the Mayor's Energy Policy Task Force Report.

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One Bryant Park / Bank of America Goes for Platinum

Bank of America and The Durst Organization broke ground in August 2004 on the construction of the Bank of America Tower, a 945-foot-tall crystalline skyscraper that will be the world's most environmentally responsible high-rise office building and the first to strive for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum designation. The project incorporates innovative, high-performance technologies to use dramatically less energy, consume less potable water and provide a healthy and productive indoor environment that prioritizes natural light and fresh air. The Tower will be constructed largely of recycled and recyclable building materials. It will feature a wide range of sophisticated technologies, from filtered under-floor displacement air ventilation to advanced double-wall technology and translucent insulating glass in floor-to-ceiling windows that permit maximum daylight and optimal views. It also will include a state-of-the-art, on-site 4.6-MW cogeneration plant, providing a clean, efficient power source for the building's energy requirements.

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