The mission of the New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS), nation's fourth-largest state prison system, is straightforward: to retain over 65,000 inmates in safe custody until released by law. To that end DOCS maintains 70 correctional facilities of varying security levels statewide. Its operating budget of $2.2 billion in state and federal funds, plus $205 million for capital expenditures, makes it the nation's fourth largest state prison system.

When CEPS arrived, DOCS facilities were experiencing high operating costs largely due to deferred maintenance and the need for additional controls. CEPS was able to perform comprehensive upgrades to the steam and condensate systems and install energy management controls at three sites, delivering significant energy and maintenance savings as well as making the existing staff more efficient. This DOCS program allowed for the installation of this much-needed equipment without waiting for the capital process to run its course.

At Green Haven, CEPS installed a 500-hp summer boiler, commissioned a condensing heat exchanger in the boiler plant, expanded the heating control system and improved the steam-distribution system. The $2.9 million project was completed on time and on budget.

At Bedford-Taconic, the $3.4 million performance contracting project incorporated 11 energy conservation measures, most notably the installation of a new 500-kW combined heat and power plant. The savings from this measure alone comprised over a third of the project's $450,000 total annual savings.

At Sing Sing, the $2 million design/build project expanded the existing controls system to provide service to 17 additional buildings totaling 744,000 square feet. The system expansion included everything necessary for direct temperature control of the entire complex from one main facility, including valves, actuators, sensors, panels, fiber, Ethernet cabling, hubs, switches, front-end control and graphics.

CEPS engineers excelled at working in the corrections environment, where physical safety and security are as critical as deadlines and budgets. Supplying over $1 million in annual energy savings, CEPS excelled at financial security, too. The success of its work with DOCS has paved the way for a number of projects at other New York State facilities.

Costs for the three projects were covered by guaranteed savings through an energy-savings performance contract. With the help of CEPS, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority facilitated third-party financing through GE Capital. Projects will be paid off over 14 years.