EN-POWER GROUP was featured in Habitat Magazine for its role in helping Newport East, a New York City co-op, modernize its aging central cooling system through energy-efficient upgrades, utility incentives, and long-term capital planning.

Project Overview: Modernizing an Aging Cooling System

Newport East’s 25-year-old central cooling system had become unreliable, requiring repeated repairs and creating ongoing operational challenges for the building. Facing rising maintenance issues, the co-op board sought a long-term solution that would improve performance while controlling costs.

To evaluate their options, the board engaged Michael Scorrano, Managing Director at EN-POWER GROUP, to conduct a comprehensive review of potential energy-efficiency upgrades and available financial incentives.

EN-POWER GROUP’s Approach

According to Scorrano, the process began with identifying opportunities to improve efficiency while reducing upfront costs through rebates and incentives.

Key steps included:

  • Evaluating system efficiency and replacement options

  • Securing incentives through NYSERDA and Con Edison

  • Transitioning from oil to natural gas

  • Implementing lighting upgrades

  • Planning for a new, integrated cooling and heating system

This phased, data-driven approach allowed the building to modernize critical infrastructure while minimizing financial strain.

Results: Efficiency, Savings, and Long-Term Value

The $1.4 million project centered on installing high-performance chillers that not only cool the building but also capture waste heat to fuel the hot-water boilers.

During summer months, the building’s domestic hot water is heated entirely by recovered heat from the chillers, resulting in:

  • Lower operating costs

  • Reduced maintenance needs

  • A smaller environmental footprint

According to Scorrano, the co-op now saves more than $175,000 annually in energy costs.

The project was completed on budget, supported in part by a $250,000 NYSERDA rebate, which helped replenish the building’s reserve fund.

Why This Matters for Co-op and Condo Boards

This project highlights how strategic engineering analysis, paired with incentive expertise, can turn a necessary system replacement into a long-term financial and operational win. Rather than reacting to failures, proactive planning allowed Newport East to improve reliability, reduce costs, and future-proof its building systems.

Media Attribution

This project was originally featured in Habitat Magazine on November 17, 2016.
[Read the full article on Habitat Magazine →]

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