If you want to find out what you can do to save energy, what resources are available for further information and what programs are available to assist in funding your efforts, the first places to look are the well developed web sites offered by the New York State Research and Development Authority and the United States Department of Energy.
| Energy Information Administration | |
| If you want to get information, statistics and background on a host of energy related issues, this is a very useful site. Created by Congress in 1977, EIA is a statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy. It provides policy-independent data, forecasts, and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets, and public understanding regarding energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment. | |
| New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) | |
| A state organization that promotes energy efficiency, encourages economic development, expands use of renewable energy sources, and reduces the environmental effects of energy production through R&D, demonstration, financial and technical assistance projects. Their site includes project descriptions, incentive programs, notices of new projects and RFPs, events, and a publications list. | |
| NYSERDA Energy Prices, Supplies and Weather Data | |
| With the cost of energy constantly on the rise, NYSERDA has been providing current and historical energy statistics that can assist consumers when making decisions. | |
| NYSERDA’s Energy Smart Program | |
| Programs for all who want to save energy and money. For Homeowners & Renters - save money and energy with a variety of easy programs and practical resources designed to meet your unique needs! For building owners -raise tenant satisfaction, increase property value and SAVE money! For Energy $mart Partners & Contractors- grow sales by attracting energy-minded customers. | |
| US Department of Energy EERE’s Consumer page | |
| If you are interested in saving money by making your home more energy efficient or want to use renewable energy to heat or power your small business, this site also provides an invaluable guide to the world of renewable energy and energy efficiency options. | |
| U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) | |
| The site offers information about DOE programs and a gateway to hundreds of web site and thousands of documents. You can also e-mail your questions to an energy expert. | |
Have you been to the gas pump recently? Prices fluctuates regularly and it's time for drivers to think smart. Remember these gas-saving tips:
When Buying Gas
Use regular gas, unless the car manufacturer tells you otherwise. Be sure the pump displays the correct grade and price per gallon. Check to see that the total price display starts at $0.00 and doesn’t “creep” up a few cents before squeezing the nozzle. Most stations now charge different prices for cash and credit. Pay cash and use self serve whenever you can. You will see a savings. Take advantage of gas sale days, when prices may be as much as 5 cents cheaper for certain grades.
Be a Different Driver
Accelerate gradually and drive smoothly and you could see as much as a 20 percent gain in fuel economy compared with what you'd get with an aggressive driving style, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Skip those jackrabbit starts and sudden pedal-to-the-metal maneuvers.
Regular Servicing is Important
Keep your vehicle well maintained to keep it operating at peak efficiency. An inefficient engine won't make optimum use of fuel. Clean out that trunk and back cargo area. Extra weight decreases gas mileage. Keep tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires will reduce your gas mileage.
Drive Smart
Don't idle your car for too long. Don't waste fuel by sitting in that drive-thru lane at a fast food restaurant. Park and go inside instead. Don't let your vehicle idle as you wait outside the elementary school to pick up your children. Idling uses more fuel than turning the engine off, waiting for your youngsters and then restarting the engine. When you're in slow city traffic, keep the air conditioner off, if possible. That air conditioner is a burden that uses fuel.
Plan Ahead
Combine your errands into one trip, rather than taking multiple trips from home. Plan your trips so you go out during less-congested times of day. When there's less traffic, you're more apt to be able to drive smoothly.
Other Modes of Transport
Look at alternative transportation options - even if it's just for one or two days a week. Walk, bicycle, carpool or take public transportation and leave your vehicle at home. When you shop for a new vehicle, compare fuel economy. Bear in mind how bigger vehicles, bigger engines, four-wheel drive and lots of optional equipment can add to a vehicle's weight and, as a result, reduce its fuel efficiency.
The Department of Consumer Protection regularly checks the accuracy of gas pumps, gas price signs and gasoline quality. Contact us for more information or if you have a complaint about a gasoline purchase. The department can be reached at or at (914) 995-2155.
Organizations promoting energy-efficiency and technologies in an effort to achieve a cleaner environment along with reliable and affordable energy.
| Alliance to Save Energy | |
| Coalition of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders that promote the efficient and clean use of energy. The Alliance develops and executes programs that bring energy efficiency into homes, schools and businesses around the world. | |
| American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) | |
| A research organization, produces high-quality technical information on energy-efficiency and transportation, but also offers practical advice for the general public, especially through their “Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings and Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks.” | |
| e-FFICIENCY News | |
| Get the latest inside news on energy-efficiency research, policy, and events with this electronic newsletter published by the Alliance to Save Energy. | |
| International Institute for Energy Conservation | |
| The International Institute for Energy Conservation is a non-profit organization that strives to accelerate the global adoption of energy-efficiency policies, technologies, and practices. Their site includes newsletters, resources, and some on-line publications. | |
| Interstate Renewable Energy Council | |
| IREC is a non-profit consortium of state and local government renewable energy officials. Formed in 1980, IREC offers a range of market-oriented services and products targeted at education, coordination, and procurement. | |
| Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships Inc. (NEEP) | |
| A non-profit regional organization founded in 1996 to increase and coordinate energy efficiency efforts in New England, New York and the mid-Atlantic region. | |
| Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) | |
| The nation's leading regional membership organization focused on promoting the understanding, development, and adoption of energy conservation and non-polluting, renewable energy technologies. NESEA is a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. | |
| State Renewable Energy News | |
| This online newsletter, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, provides information on state-level renewable energy activities | |
| Windpower Monthly Magazine News | |
| News, views and analyses from the world's leading independent wind energy magazine, Wind Power Monthly. | |
There are a range of educational resources and schools recognizing the importance of natural resources to our economy and are making contributions to enhance our quality of life.
| American Solar Energy Society (ASES) | |
| A national organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar energy for the benefit of U.S. citizens and the global environment. ASES promotes the widespread near-term and long-term use of solar energy. | |
| American Wind Energy Association | |
| Advocates the development of wind energy as a reliable, environmentally superior energy alternative in the United States and around the world | |
| Geothermal | |
| The Geothermal Education Office produces and distributes educational materials about geothermal energy to schools, energy/environmental educators, libraries, industry, and the public. GEO collaborates frequently with education and energy organizations with common goals. | |
| Healthy Schools Network, Inc. (HSN) | |
| HSN is a national not for profit organization, centered on children's environmental health, and dedicated to assuring every child and school employee an environmentally safe and healthy school. | |
| Hydro | |
| The Hydro Research Foundation has two principal objectives: to facilitate research and to promote educational opportunities that communicate the value of hydropower. | |
| International Solar Energy Society | |
| ISES is a multi-faceted, global membership organization. With its long history and extensive technical and scientific expertise provided by its members, the Society is a modern, future-oriented non-governmental organization (NGO). | |
| National Energy Education Development (NEED) | |
| NEED Project promotes an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs. | |
| National Energy Foundation | |
| A unique nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the development, dissemination, and implementation of supplementary educational materials, programs, and courses. These resources for education relate primarily to energy, water, natural resources, science and math, technology, conservation, and the environment. | |
| National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) | |
| The U.S. Department of Energy's premier laboratory for renewable energy research & development and a lead lab for energy efficiency R&D. NREL provides resources to help small businesses incorporate passive solar heating and daylighting designs into their small offices or commercial buildings. | |
| National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) | |
| The largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. | |
| New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) | |
| Not-for-profit consumer advocacy organization has teamed up with Community Energy, Inc. (CEI) a marketer of 100% new wind energy, generated in New York State, to provide “Clean & Green Wind Energy” to New Yorkers at a discounted price. | |
| North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) | |
| NAIMA is a trade association of North American manufacturers of fiberglass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products. | |
| State Incentives for Renewable Energy | |
| The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. | |
| Windows | |
| Information on the benefits of energy-efficient windows, descriptions of how they work, and recommendations for their selection and use. | |
| Windows, Doors and Skylights | |
| NFRC's primary goal is to provide accurate information to measure and compare the energy performance of window, door, or skylight products. | |
Programs and incentives are offered to consumers to boost energy efficiency and promote environmentally responsible buildings.
| Building Standards and Guidelines Program | |
| DOE's Building Standards & Guidelines Program is developing compliance tools and training materials, providing information, and offering technical assistance on building energy codes. Their site contains model energy codes, code compliance materials, training information, news and contacts. | |
| Energy Efficient Building Association (EBBA) | |
| EEBA promotes the awareness, education, and development of energy efficient, environmentally responsible buildings, and communities. | |
| NYSERDA Residential programs and incentives | |
| NYSERDA offers many programs and incentives to homeowners of single family and multi-family residences; programs and incentives for building an Energy Star new home, upgrade your existing home, metering to manage your electricity use, programs for multi-unit residences and more are explained. | |
| Residential Energy Services Network's (RESNET) | |
| Their mission is to improve the energy efficiency of the nation's housing stock and to qualify more families for home ownership by expanding the national availability of mortgage financing options and home energy ratings. RESNET is a membership 501-C-3 non-profit organization. | |
| Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) | |
| SBIC is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the design, affordability, energy performance, and environmental soundness of America’s buildings. SBIC not only supports passive solar design, but also building-integrated photovoltaics, energy efficiency, daylighting, healthy indoor environments, and other aspects of sustainable design and construction. | |