State Senator Kemp Hannon recently announced a $250,000 grant to help finance a $1.1 million energy efficiency project for the Nassau University Medical Center that will be undertaken by the New York Power Authority (NYPA).

"Under Governor Pataki's leadership, New York State is leading the way in the use of advanced technologies that conserve energy and cut costs. The project at Nassau University Medical Center's Dynamic Care Building will improve lighting conditions for patients and caregivers alike while also helping to reduce energy expenses," said Hannon.

The grant is from New York State's share of petroleum overcharge restitution funds (POCR) recovered in federal court cases to compensate consumers who were unfairly overcharged by major oil companies in the 1980s. In New York State, these funds have been earmarked to defray the costs of energy-efficiency projects.

The energy efficiency upgrades at Nassau University Medical Center are expected to provide annual savings of nearly $336,600 by cutting electricity consumption some 3,870 megawatt hours each year. The savings will be achieved through the installation of a variety of high efficiency lighting fixtures throughout the 900,000 square-foot Dynamic Care Building. Located in East Meadow, the Nassau University Medical Center's Dynamic Care Building is a 19-story hospital with outpatient clinics, multi-use offices and emergency room facilities.

"The New York Power Authority has doubled its annual investment in energy efficiency projects since Governor George Pataki became Governor," New York Power Authority Chairman Louis P. Ciminelli said, adding, "In Nassau County we have completed 59 projects at public schools, college campuses and other public facilities. These projects have produced combined annual savings of $4.5 million and reduced electric use by 30,803 megawatt hours each year."

Hannon added, "I am grateful I was able to secure the additional funds to make the Nassau University Medical Center project feasible."