Summary
The bill would authorize the Power Authority of the State of New York (PASNY) to finance the replacement of outdated refrigerators with more energy efficient models in "class A" multiple dwellings. Costs associated with that financial assistance would not be charged to the Authority's customers and would be repaid over a ten year period with savings that accrue to the owner as a result of operating this more efficient equipment.

Explanation
Despite successes achieved by state's energy efficiency programs, a 2003 study commissioned by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) found that six out of seven kilowatt hours of cost-effective and achievable energy efficiency savings remain unrealized. This bill would authorize PASNY to install and finance the replacement of refrigerators with more efficient models.

Reducing energy consumption will result in decreased local and statewide electricity demand, place less of a strain on the aging transmission system — which caused outages for more than 120,000 Queens residents this summer  — and protect New Yorkers from the harmful effects of air pollution created by fossil fuel-fired power plants. Replacing refrigerators in multiple dwellings would help reduce energy use and electricity costs for both owners and tenants.

These harmful effects include respiratory problems for people suffering with asthma, increased levels of mercury contamination, destruction of our forest ecosystems by acid rain, as well as wide ranging negative effects associated with climate change.

Environmental Advocates of New York supports this bill.