Energy touted as a strength

Oct 31 - Times Union Albany

Energy markets in upstate New York can be a future strength, two of the state's most powerful energy executives said Wednesday at the Center for Economic Growth's high-tech infrastructure summit in Colonie.

Ken Daly, president of National Grid New York, said the utility is now spending $1 billion a year to upgrade its gas and electric systems in the state, and the Capital Region is its fastest-growing market, even compared with New York City and Boston, where it also operates.

"We see more opportunity here than we do anywhere in our footprint," Daly told the crowd, which gave him a round of applause for the comment. "You have a really good story to tell."

National Grid is hosting the summit with CEG at The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center. The event, which is designed to mobilize new infrastructure for the area such as power lines, roads, bridges and public transportation, wraps up Thursday.

Richard Kauffman, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's energy "czar," said the state has to think differently about its clean energy programs if it wants the renewable energy industry to gain more traction.

Kauffman said regulators and energy companies have to consider what motivates consumers of energy -- both household and business customers.

For instance, he said although the state provides subsidies for "green" buildings and home energy efficiency improvements, the focus has been on how they cut costs for consumers.

But because energy costs are less than 3 percent of household expenses, saving money isn't a great motivator.

However, if data were collected on the health benefits of "green" buildings, the findings could show health benefits, which are a much bigger motivator, he says, for the public.

"Health is a wonderful motivator versus saving pennies," Kauffman said.

In addition to being better insulated, "green" buildings and energy efficiency retrofits often focus on air flow and air circulation in homes and buildings, which improves air quality for those inside.

lrulison@timesunion.com, 518-454-5504, @larryrulison

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