OGDENSBURG — City officials have met with representatives of a company that specializes in helping governments and businesses save money on energy costs by using the latest technologies to find new efficiencies.
Ogdensburg officials met with representatives from SmartWatt Energy Inc., Clifton Park, on Monday. The company specializes in identifying and implementing ways to save taxpayer money through more environmentally friendly and efficient energy systems.
Although talks with the company are only in the preliminary stage, the recent meeting showed enough promise for city officials to request a free feasibility assessment, according to Ogdensburg City Manager Sarah Purdy.
Ms. Purdy said it makes good sense to look at what the company offers to determine whether there is a way for the city to save money on energy costs without having to invest local taxpayer dollars.
“They do everything from looking at your HVAC and your energy usage to also looking at the LED lighting and street lights,” Ms. Purdy said. “So, this may have some interesting potential.”
Ms. Purdy said SmartWatt Energy has two different programs that the city is interested in learning more about. She said one program deals with converting the municipality’s street lights to LED lighting, which is more energy efficient.
The other program, she said, involves a comprehensive energy audit that is offered through National Grid. The latter program looks at energy efficiencies that can be found through boiler upgrades and other structural improvements such as tightening up building envelopes.
Both options have the potential for significant long-term savings, according to city officials. With both programs there are no up-front costs, according to the company’s website, and projects are paid for through energy saving upgrades that can include capital deferred improvements.