What is NYSERDA?
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 under
Article 8, Title 9 of the State Public Authorities Law through the reconstitution of the New York State Atomic and Space Development Authority. NYSERDA's earliest efforts focused solely on research and development with the goal of reducing the State’s petroleum consumption. Subsequent research and development projects focused on topics including environmental effects of energy consumption, development of renewable resources, and advancement of innovative technologies.
Currently, NYSERDA is primarily funded by state rate payers through the
System Benefits Charge (SBC), which was established on May 20, 1996, and was specified funding from July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2001. These SBC funds were allocated towards energy-efficiency programs, research and development initiatives, low-income energy programs, and environmental-disclosure activities. Part of this funding went into the creation of
New York Energy SmartSM which helps to maintain momentum for the State's efforts to develop competitive markets for energy efficiency; demand management; outreach and education services; research development, and demonstration; low-income services; and to provide direct economic and environmental benefits to New Yorkers. The SBC was extended through June 30, 2006, and most recently until June 30, 2011. (see
www.nyserda.org)
NYSERDA currently contracts/funds Eco-Grid's Biomass-Fired District CHP/Heating and Cooling System Feasibility Study under agreement number 10050.
What’s the difference between Eco-Grid™ and The Hudson River Hotel Project (HRHP)?
Eco-Grid™ is a non-profit group seeking to develop and implement renewable energy in Hudson and nearby region by providing the leadership and management necessary to run the group’s day-to-day business, under the fiscal umbrella of the Center of Economic and Environmental Partnership Inc (CEEP INC). Eco-Grid was founded by Richard Cohen in 2004 and is currently contracted and funded by NYSERDA to study feasibility of district energy from renewable sources in Hudson and Greenport.
The Hudson River Hotel Project (HRHP) is a commercial, mixed-use Real Estate Project in the planning stages. Owned and operated by Harlem-Hudson LLC (Richard Cohen, President), HRHP is located at the corner of 4th and Warren Streets in Hudson, NY, and comprises 5 historic structures in various stages of restoration and development.
Who are the people of Eco-Grid™?
The
core team of Eco-Grid is comprised of Maria Miller, Executive Director, Communications (since inception in 2004); Matt de la Houssaye, Project Manager (since January 2006); and Richard Cohen, Founder. The NYSERDA-funded feasibility study comprises the aforementioned individuals, as well as Morris Pierce, PhD, Principal Advisor and District-Energy Specialist; Matt McCardle of Mesa Reduction Engineering (biomass specialists); Alexander McFarlane of Think-21 LLC (anaerobic-digestion specialists); Van Zelm Engineering (lead engineer on Eco-Grid's feasibility study).
