Massena Electric A Reliable Provider

MASSENA - Massena Electric Department once again made it through the year without any major accidents, while continuing to remain among the most reliable energy service providers in the nation and working to promote the creation of green energy and energy efficiency.

"Our reliability remains in the top quarter of the nation and we made it through the year without any work days lost," said MED Superintendent Andrew J. McMahon. "Both of those are points of pride and relief."

Continuing to highlight last year's accomplishments Mr. McMahon continued, "We put $500,000 aside in the beginning of 2011 with the hopes of making strides with energy efficiency. We found an innovative way to continue to add to the tree population with the help of Alcoa and the Global Releaf program. We also did a few small demonstration projects on LED Street lighting," he said.

"We've put the most focus though on home energy projects. These projects have saved a significant amount of money and made their homes far more comfortable," he said, adding that of the $500,000 set aside last year, nearly $450,000 remains.

Mr. McMahon said that with an average grant size of approximately $1,000, plenty of opportunities to get involved in the program remain.

If you are interested in scheduling an energy efficiency audit for your home, please contact Energy Answers at 750-0226.

Later this year, Mr. McMahon said the energy efficiency program will be expanded to include commercial, industrial and rental properties. The logistics of these additions are still being worked out, but Mr. McMahon said details will follow in the weeks ahead.

Energy efficiency efforts have also led MED to work with the village of Massena's housing program to rehabilitate old homes in low-income areas of the community.

Keeping with the theme of green energy and energy efficiency, MED also installed a 5kw solar panel at their office complex on East Hatfield Street. Mr. McMahon said the panel generates nearly enough to power to fully run their building.

Throughout their coverage area solar panels have also been installed at eight other locations, generating 50 kw of power.