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County Realizes $100,000 in Energy Savings
County Realizes $100,000 in Energy Savings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In early 2010, as part of its overall strategy to control utility costs, the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders authorized competitive bidding for the natural gas and electricity serving County facilities. The natural gas contract was awarded to Metromedia Energy in February 2010 followed by a contract for the purchase of electricity to Constellation Energy in May. Utilities are a major cost center in the County budget with more than $1M expended annually on electric and gas costs for the 750,000+ square feet of facilities it maintains. A year end analysis reveals that, as a result of the lower unit costs for electricity and gas, more than $100,000 in savings was realized for the period ending December 31, 2010.
Freeholder Facility Liaison Phil Crabb explained "The County's comprehensive energy strategy includes competitive bidding of utility services, the implementation of energy conservation measures identified in the recent energy audits of County facilities and a move toward innovative uses of renewable energy resources." The County is also exploring available technologies that would provide for tracking of the savings resulting from energy conservation measures which account for both seasonal temperature and building construction variables.
Freeholder Director Rich Zeoli advised that quick payback/high return on investment conservation measures identified in recent County energy audits are in the process of being installed in County facilities beginning with the County courthouse. The Freeholder Board recently announced a partnership with the Morris County Improvement Authority to assist municipalities and local school boards with incorporating solar energy into their facilities.
Additional Info:
John Eskilson, County Administrator
(973)579-0250
jeskilson@sussex.nj.us