The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has introduced the New York Energy SmartSM Energy Audit Program, designed to provide low-cost energy audits to small businesses and other facilities to help them make informed electrical energy decisions and implement energy-efficiency strategies. C.J. Brown Energy, P.C., a Buffalo-based professional engineering firm, has been selected to provide program services in 20 counties in the Western, Finger Lakes and Central New York areas.

The focus of the Energy Audit Program is to help customers identify and implement economically viable energy improvements. The program targets commercial and industrial facilities, state and local governments, not-for-profit and private institutions, and agribusinesses. Facilities must have less than $100,000 in annual electric bills to be eligible. The audit fee is $200, $400, or $600, based on annual electric bills. The fee is refunded if the customer implements one or more audit recommendations, the cost of which is equal to or greater than the audit fee. New York Energy SmartSM financial incentive programs are also available that can offset the cost of facility improvements.

The energy audit begins with a site visit to evaluate the customer's facility. The customer will receive a report that includes a description of the facility and energy-using systems, utility bill analysis, and a technical/financial description of potential energy improvements. Follow-up assistance is also included in the audit cost.

To arrange for an energy audit or for additional information, contact Laura Serravalle at C.J. Brown Energy at 716-565-9190 or visit their website at www.cjbrownenergy.com

Funding for this project came from NYSERDA's New York Energy SmartSM program, which is designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the state's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. All New York Energy SmartSM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.