Nassau's Green Energy Initiative Earns Taxpayers A $500,000 Rebate

LongIsland.com

Announces success of energy efficient lighting program at Nassau County Correctional Facility.

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Nassau County, NY - September 13th, 2013 - As a result of Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano’s green leadership, taxpayers were awarded a rebate of $501,490 from the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). The rebate is the result of energy efficient lighting installed throughout all five of the buildings of the Nassau County Correctional Facility.

County Executive Mangano stated, “With the installation of energy efficient lighting, my administration is saving taxpayer money and saving the environment by reducing our carbon footprint. This program is another great example of green policy implementation that not only saves money for the taxpayer but saves energy and helps protect the planet.”

“These actions taken by the County demonstrates their green leadership and their understanding that Long Island’s municipalities can play a key role in helping to make our region more energy efficient and reduce energy costs,” said LIPA Chief Operating Officer John D McMahon. “LIPA remains committed to working with government officials, business leaders, and community members to reduce energy consumption and maximize conservation."

A total of 5,882 fluorescent fixtures were retrofitted with new energy efficient lamps and ballasts. Inefficient 40 watt lamps were replaced with efficient 28 watt extra-long life lamps. These lamps provide a 30 percent reduction in energy cost and last 5 times longer.

Within the storage rooms, mechanical rooms and pipe chases of the two older buildings, 794 Incandescent 60 watt lamps were replaced with energy efficient 12 watt LED lamps. These lamps provide an 80 percent reduction in energy cost and last 25 times longer.

In the housing units and gymnasiums of the facility a total of 455 high bay, metal halide fixtures were replaced with energy efficient LED fixtures. These fixtures provide a 30 percent reduction in energy cost and last 10 times longer.

The installation of these energy efficient lamps and fixtures has resulted in a savings of approximately 50% as it relates to lighting costs for the correctional facility. Also within a correctional facility, re-lamping of light fixtures requires inmates to be locked up or relocated for extended periods. This creates logistical concerns and security challenges. Since the new energy efficient fixtures last much longer, a significant reduction in maintenance and operating costs are achieved.

County Executive Mangano has implemented other green initiatives throughout Nassau, including the installation of LED traffic lights and installation of solar panels on the Public Safety Center in Hicksville. He also established the Long Island Purchasing Council which looks for ways to share costs with other municipalities and special districts to save taxpayer dollars.

“With these high efficiency installations, Nassau County is giving the green light to conserve energy and cost savings,” added County Executive Mangano.