Energy Conservation Program (2015 LGAA)

City of Ogdensburg (Winner)
County: St. Lawrence County
Population: More than 10,000
City Hall: (315) 393-1130

The City of Ogdensburg has developed and continues to implement a comprehensive Energy Conservation Program in an effort to reduce costs and promote green energy solutions. Ogdensburg developed a Local Climate Action Plan, and in 2010, conducted an Emissions Inventory and Forecast for which they received a 2011 Milestone Achievement Award from ICLEI-USA in recognition of the City’s leadership and tangible progress toward climate protection.

Odgensburg is an active member of the Climate Registry and is one of two communities in St. Lawrence County on the list of Smart Climate Communities. Toward maintaining that distinction, the City received a grant from NYSERDA to place solar panels atop the municipal Ice Arena and Civic Center. Installation of this 50kW power source was completed by the City’s Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff in 2012.

In 2013, the City was awarded an interest-free 5-year loan to replace 175W metal halide bulbs with LED fixtures for all 86-City owned light poles that grace our parks, community center and trails. Also in 2013, the newly constructed pedestrian bridge that connects downtown with the Marina District across the Oswegatchie River was fitted with LED lighting. In 2014, City crews from Parks and Recreation began installing the LED lighting in the City parks and along city maintained trails. Implementation of this project will be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2015.

A solar array installation project was initiated in 2014. In partnership with RER Energy Group and New Energy Equity, with grant funding provided through NYSERDA, the City will construct a solar array using net metering to offset the City’s electric costs. The project consists of installing a 1.2mW solar array on 5.6 acres of the former City Landfill that will generate an estimated $45,300 per year in savings.

Beginning in January of 2015, Ogdensburg contracted with C2AE Engineering to do a full-blown analysis of the City’s wastewater treatment plant to optimize efficiency in this critical City asset. Currently, the facility is being heated by purchased natural gas. It is anticipated that through implementation of the study’s findings, the City will be able to reduce or eliminate their cost to heat the facility. Working with the North Country’s Economic Development Growth Extension (EDGE) and CITEC, Ogdensburg is one of 13 communities from across New York State that has been invited to participate in the Local Government and Clean Energy Engagement Forum where they will propose their next venture into the energy sustainability realm, using geothermal as an energy source for the City’s Dobisky Visitor Center. The premise is to use St. Lawrence River water to cool the facility in the summer and heat it in the winter.

The total realized and anticipated savings from the City’s Energy Conservation Program are estimated to be $175,000 annually.