Saving on Energy Bills is Focus of Town Board

SILVER CREEK, NY – Saving money on energy bills was the theme of the two major issues before the Hanover Town Board on Monday.

The board authorized a contract with Solar Liberty for $149,943 to install a new solar lighting system in Town Hall. After an incentive of $125,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the installation will cost the town $24,943.

Supervisor Kathy Tampio said the solar panels that will be installed on the roof of Town Hall will reduce energy costs by about 50 percent.The supervisor said she does not know when the project will begin because of a large number of requests to the authority for the incentive funds.

The board also voted to join with Erie County in a cooperative buying project that could result in another 15 percent savings in power costs. The supervisor said that several communities will join with nearby Erie County to buy power in bulk. She said the start of that project is unknown because of current agreements with the town’s suppliers.

The Buffalo News
By Susan Chiappone
CHAUTAUQUA CORRESPONDENT