By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-911739.mp3
Albany, NY – With the summer heat wave in full swing, New Yorkers are taking steps to keep cool and minimize energy use, while electric providers keep their fingers crossed to ensure a steady supply of power. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Local government officials are encouraging residents to use extreme care during these dog days of summer. Several municipalities across the northeast have opened designated "cooling stations", safe, air-conditioned places for local residents to escape from the heat, most of which are accessible from early morning until around sunset... stations in the major cities also gave heat-weary residents bottled water. Eileen Reardon, with the Adirondack Saratoga Chapter of the American Red Cross, says no one showed up yesterday at any of three cooling stations the Red Cross opened in Washington and Saratoga counties. Reardon thinks that because there were no interruptions in electric service, people stayed indoors. The Red Cross is monitoring the situation and will re-open the cooling stations if neccessary.
NYSERDA's Jeffrey Gordon says there are several steps people can take to keep cool and use less energy at the same time:
1. Block the heat. Insulation and shading can be the most efficient way to keep your home comfortable while reducing the need for air conditioning.
2. Manage use of appliances. Ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers generate significant amounts of heat that can get trapped in the house. Minimizing the use of these appliances will help decrease the heat buildup in your home. Also, using them in the early morning or at night when it is generally cooler outside will help decrease the power load and the impact on your home. Also, using smaller appliances like microwaves or toaster ovens whenever possible will both save energy and keep the heat out of the kitchen.
3. User cooler, more efficient lighting. ENERGY STAR Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are cool to the touch and emit less heat than an incandescent light bulb. If you change out the five most used light bulbs in your home to CFLs, you can save over $50 on your energy bill each year.
4. Seal your home. Cooling your home when it has leaky air ducts and incorrectly installed windows is like blowing up a balloon with a hole in it. Through NYSERDA's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, a participating BPI-certified contractor can assess your home's energy needs through a Comprehensive Home Assessment to make your home will be cooler, safer, and more comfortable year round.
5. Cool your house only when you are home. Using a programmable thermostat to automatically regulate a room or central air conditioner can ensure that you use only the energy you need when you need it and can save you approximately $200 in energy costs per year.
Jerry Kremer authored New York State's now-expired "power plant siting law" - he says that in order to ensure the lights and air conditioners stay on, it is critically important to have sensible energy policy. Kremer says reinstating the power plant siting law would encourage electric producers to build new facilities in New York State.