NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Aegis Energy Services, Inc. and New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) are pleased to announce the start up of a 75kW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant at Hill House High School. An additional five CHP systems will be on line soon at other public schools in New Haven.

In a unique collaboration, Aegis Energy Services, Inc., the leading installer of CHP systems in the Northeast, will own the on-site power generating equipment and sell back the electricity and hot water to NHPS at a reduced rate below the cost of that supplied by the local utility.

CHP, also known as cogeneration, is the simultaneous production of useable heat and electricity from a single fuel source, in this case natural gas.

Aegis Energy Services, of Holyoke MA, has installed a 75kW Aegen ThermoPower system in each of six schools, and will perform maintenance over the ten-year contract period. NHPS will buy electric power and hot water, produced from the system, which will be used to heat the schools' swimming pools. This "Shared Savings" program allows NHPS to avoid capital and operating costs, and save at least $630,000 in utility costs over the contract period.

Equally important, this technology offers NHPS an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions thereby reinforcing its commitment to make public schools energy efficient and green. The installed systems' combined cycle efficiencies approach 85%, compared to 33% for traditional central electric power stations. Because CHP captures exhaust heat and radiator heat, the cost of fossil fuels that would ordinarily be employed to produce this heat, is instead avoided. Additionally, by offsetting electrical power generation at the central utility, carbon emissions and green house gases are further reduced.

"This is a strong example of our focus on improving, enhancing and turning things around through cutting edge techniques," stated Dr. Reginald Mayo, Superintendent of Schools.  "From energy efficiency to student achievement, we are wholly committed to tapping into resources that bring us significant outcomes."

Lee Vardakas, General Manager of Aegis Energy Services, shares Dr. Mayo's enthusiasm. "We are excited to play a key role in New Haven's efforts to save costs and 'green' its energy infrastructure in this Win/Win agreement.   We have successfully partnered with other institutions using similar agreements, and look forward to many years of productive collaboration with NHPS."

SOURCE Aegis Energy Services, Inc.

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http://www.aegisenergyservices.com