The Plainview Water District is a local leader in promoting civic responsibility in New York State, and was recently recognized for its outstanding performance in the "Operation Save New York" energy conservation program, sponsored by Buffalo-based Energy Curtailment Specialists, Inc. (ECS).

The Operation Save New York program provides a successful method of preventing blackouts and reducing the cost of electrical power purchases for consumers through the combined efforts of water suppliers and other agencies throughout the state. The program calls for participants to drop their electrical load from LIPA and switch to their own existing emergency generators when requested by the New York Independent Systems Operator, the operator of New York's electricity grid. This energy reduction usually occurs during times when electrical demand is at its peak. Participating water suppliers receive at least 21 hours of advanced notice to prepare their facilities so that their ability to continuously provide water will not be affected, and receive compensation for energy produced by their own equipment.

ECS presented the Plainview Water District with a Gold Performance Award for the vital role it played in maintaining the balance of supply and demand of electricity throughout the past year. The District played its part by reducing the electrical demand for three afternoons during a heat wave last summer.