EMSD receives over $200,000 rebate

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The East Meadow School District received $217,901 in rebates from PSEG Long Island thanks to its participation in the electric company’s Commercial Efficiency Program. Domenic Abbatiello, a representative of PSEG Long Island, gave a rebate check to the district during a July 5 Board of Education meeting.

Through the company’s program, the district upgraded nearly 20,000 lighting fixtures and replaced them with more energy-efficient LEDs all nine of its school buildings. This project translates to a considerable cost savings for the district.

“I am extremely proud that our district has taken these important steps to conserve energy,” said Superintendent Kenneth Card. “We are lessening our district’s impact on the environment and at the same time saving valuable taxpayer dollars. This rebate check is evidence that our hard work is paying off – literally!”

The district replaced 19,760 fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs in its buildings with the more energy-efficient LEDs. With lighting accounting for the largest portion of energy used in commercial buildings — typically around 25-30 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy — it is estimated that in addition to the initial rebate, the district will save approximately 838,683 kilowatt hours and $150,962 a year on its electric bill through these improvements.

“We are pleased to see the East Meadow School District take advantage of these rebates by upgrading its lighting with more energy-efficient bulbs and fixtures,” said Michael Voltz, director of energy efficiency and renewables at PSEG Long Island. “This project is both a cost-saving and an energy measure.”