ECR International

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2/18/2010 - Net Metering Now Available for Residential Micro-Combined Heat and Power Systems

ECR Supports New York State Public Service Commission’s Tariff Filing Approval, Homeowner Incentive

Utica, N.Y. – February 18, 2010 – New York state homeowners now have an added incentive to install residential micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems in their homes. The New York State Public Service Commission last week approved tariff filings from the six investor-owned New York utilities, paving the way for homeowners who install these technologies to receive credit for excess electricity they generate or sell it back to their utilities.
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., National Grid, New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation are among the participating utilities. The tariffs previously filed by the utilities will be updated, per the Commission’s decision, to reflect the expansion of technologies now eligible for net metering.
ECR International’s freewatt home heating system, one of these now eligible micro-CHP technologies, combines an ENERGY STAR-rated, high-efficiency natural gas or propane furnace or boiler with a Honda co-generator to produce heat and electricity for homes. This can lead to excess electricity that can be sold back to the participating utilities.

“Our team has been working closely with the utilities to help establish the procedures required for micro-CHP net metering and we’re very pleased with the Commission’s decision to approve these tariff filings,” said Michael Paparone, ECR president and CEO. “The inclusion of micro-CHP as an eligible technology in New York State’s net metering law is a significant step toward a more energy-efficient future. Additionally, it will allow micro-CHP homeowners to offset their electricity costs by selling the excess power they generate back to the utility and save an estimated $1,000 per year.”
The freewatt home heating system can generate more than 5,000 kilowatts of electricity each year, reducing a homeowner’s carbon footprint by up to 6,000 pounds. That’s the equivalent of not driving a car for six months.
“Freewatt owners are often surprised at the system’s energy efficiency,” Paparone said. “We have letters from homeowners in net metering states that detail cost savings almost unheard of with traditional home heating systems. In fact, some homeowners have cut their electric bills in half and one customer even sent us a bill showing an amount due of just one cent.”

1/29/2010 - ECR International Appoints New Marketing Director

Mike Paparone, President and CEO, ECR International, announces that Carol Gee has been named Marketing Director effective February 1, 2010.

Carol comes to ECR after a long and successful career at DuPont and most recently Owens-Illinois. While at DuPont, she was key to the development of such well-known ingredient brands as LYCRA®, COOLMAX®, STAINMASTER® and ANTRON® and was Global Brand Manager of CORIAN® where she developed programs and worked closely with both the distribution, dealer and fabrication networks. She was asked to lead the DuPont Corporate Brand and during that time lead all the strategic positioning work to move DuPont from a chemical company to a science company. During her career at DuPont, she was the recipient of two Corporate Marketing awards.

Her tenure at O-I included leading the marketing transformation of the company from a North American holding company to a global one; establishing a global marketing and communications organization; supporting the introduction of Lean 6 Sigma globally and was a principal member of the Sustainability Team that developed the Sustainability mission and process for O-I. In addition, Carol was very involved with O-I’s key Government Affairs initiatives and was the chairman of the O-I Charities Foundation.

9/22/2009 - SENATOR VALESKY (D-ONEIDA) VISITS ECR FACILITY IN UTICA

New Legislation makes ECR’s freewatt® home heating system eligible for New Metering in New York

Utica, N.Y. – September 22, 2009 – Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) visited and toured the ECR International manufacturing facility in Utica, N.Y. to discuss legislation passed August 27, 2009 expanding New York State’s net metering law to include residential micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology, like ECR international’s freewatt home heating system. The newly signed legislation requires electric corporations to permit net energy metering for micro-CHP generating equipment and to provide for the interconnection of micro-CHP systems to the electric system in the same manner as other eligible technologies.
freewatt combines an ENERGY STAR-rated, high-efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler with a Honda co-generator to produce heat and electricity for homes. Unlike traditional home heating systems, freewatt can produce nearly 5,000 kilowatts of electricity each year.
Net metering enables customers to use the excess electricity they generate to offset their consumption over a specific billing period. Essentially, their electric meters will turn backward when they generate electricity in excess of their demand, resulting in a credit on their utility bill.

“The inclusion of micro-CHP as an eligible technology in New York State’s net metering law is extremely significant,” said Michael Paparone, president and CEO of ECR International. “Net metering will allow micro-CHP homeowners to offset the cost of electricity they purchase from a utility by selling any excess power they generate back to the utility. We estimate this will save them approximately $1,000 per year depending on their specific utility’s rates.”

The previous law permitted net energy metering for residential solar, farm waste, non-residential solar and residential and/or farm service wind electric generating systems. The amended law, which was signed into legislation by New York State Gov. Paterson on Aug. 27, also requires electric corporations to permit net energy metering for micro-CHP generating equipment and to provide for the interconnection of micro-CHP systems to the electric system in the same manner as other eligible technologies.

“Net metering for micro-CHP technologies, like freewatt, is now available in 16 states,” Paparone said. “This has occurred in less than three years, which signifies rapid acceptance of the technology. It also indicates that these states understand the importance of giving their residents as many energy-efficient choices as possible.”

9/10/2009 - ECR International Announces Support of Revised New York State Net Metering Law

Residential micro-combined heat and power technologies now eligible for net metering in New York

ECR International today announced its support of the legislation, signed into law Aug. 27 by Governor Paterson, which expands New York State''''s current net metering law to include residential micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP). Micro-CHP technologies, like ECR''''s freewatt system, combine an ENERGY STAR-rated, high-efficiency natural gas or propane furnace or boiler with a Honda co-generator to produce heat and electricity for homes.

"The inclusion of micro-CHP as an eligible technology in New York State''''s net metering law is extremely significant," said Michael Paparone, president and CEO of ECR International. "Net metering will allow micro-CHP homeowners to offset the cost of electricity they purchase from a utility by selling any excess power they generate back to the utility. We estimate this will save New York State homeowners approximately $1,000 per year."

The previous law permitted net energy metering for residential solar, farm waste, non-residential solar and residential and/or farm service wind electric generating systems. The amended law also requires electric corporations to permit net energy metering for micro-CHP generating equipment and to provide for the interconnection to the electric system of micro-CHP systems in the same manner as other eligible technologies.

"I am very pleased that this new law will encourage economic investment in skilled New York jobs, which includes our local residents who work at ECR International in Utica as well as those New Yorkers who work at the facility in Dunkirk," Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito (D/WF-Rome) explained. "ECR International has already invested $10 million in upgrading its Utica and Dunkirk facilities retaining and creating 35-40 jobs, with approximately another $5 million in planned further investments that will add 300 more jobs in the next few years as a result of the enactment of this very important measure."

The amended law takes effect immediately, but allows New York electric utilities three months to prepare for the appropriate changes. ECR International will be working with the utilities to help establish the procedures required to comply with the new law.

"New York State and its residents face significant energy and climate change challenges," said Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, who introduced the bill to the Senate on April 15, 2009. "Energy efficiency continues to be the most cost-effective and the most immediate way to reduce the burden of rising energy and environmental costs, as well as our energy-related carbon footprint."

Micro-CHP has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of its 2009 Climate Choice technologies. According to the EPA, Climate Choice is a new partnership program that recognizes emerging technologies that have the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions once they are more widely adopted.

5/29/2009 - ECR International Hosts Plant Tour

Members of the Radiant Panel Association and REXperience show attendees toured ECR International’s Assembly facility as part of the RPA REXperience 2009. Tour participants were served breakfast and heard Mike Paparone, ECR’s CEO talk about a little about ECR’s history and more about their new vision. ECR is becoming the recognized leader of heating and air conditioning products and services that have the most positive impact on its environment, its society and its customers.

ECR’s tradeshow booth was set up with a showcase of their vast product line. Many ECR employees were on hand to meet RPA members and discuss any of the many products. Eric Dorozynski, plant manager, lead the group on a tour through the facility.

The tour finished with a presentation on freewatt®, ECR’s micro combined heat and power system. freewatt is an energy-efficient residential heating system that produces heat and electricity for homes, while lowering society’s fuel and energy consumption and protecting the environment. A freewatt system has the potential to generate half of a typical home’s annual electrical needs, saving homeowners hundreds of dollars on electric bills.

ECR was excited that the RPA chose Utica for their annual conference this year as it allowed them to be able to showcase their facility, products and people.

3/4/2009 - Congressman Arcuri Explores micro-CHP Technology During Visit to ECR Facility in Utica

Utica, N.Y. – Congressman Michael Arcuri (NY-24) visited ECR International’s headquarters in Utica, N.Y., late last week to tour the facility and meet with the ECR leadership team regarding the company’s micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology, the freewatt® home heating system.
With a focus on maximizing the use of fuel energy, micro-CHP technology combines heat and power with its dual approach of generating electricity while heating a home.
“The electricity produced through micro-CHP technology can be used to power the home or can be sold back to the ‘grid,’” said Michael Paparone, ECR International president and CEO. “micro-CHP also provides grid support and reliability to electric power systems that are already approaching peak capacity and can also help electric utilities meet emission reduction mandates.”
micro-CHP has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of two technologies designated as a Climate Choice technology. According to the EPA, Climate Choice is a new partnership program that recognizes emerging technologies that have the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions once they are more widely adopted. For more information on Climate Choice, visit http://www.epa.gov/cppd/climatechoice/technology.htm

2/25/2009 - Congressman Higgins Visits ECR

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) visited the ECR International manufacturing facility in Dunkirk, N.Y., as one stop on his tour of area companies who offer renewable and energy-efficient technologies.

Higgins toured the ECR facility and visited with ECR''s leadership team to discuss the company''s micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology, the freewatt® home heating system. With a focus on maximizing fuel energy, micro-CHP technology combines heat and power in its dual approach of generating electricity while heating a home.

"With the ability to supply both heat and power to U.S. homes, micro-CHP significantly reduces the amount of fuel normally needed for a home, which directly and dramatically impacts the environment by reducing the greenhouse gases associated with global warming," said Michael Paparone, president and CEO of ECR International.

micro-CHP has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of two technologies designated as a Climate Choice technology. According to the EPA, Climate Choice is a new partnership program that recognizes emerging technologies that have the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions once they are more widely adopted. For more information on Climate Choice, visit http://www.epa.gov/cppd/climatechoice/technology.htm

ECR will continue to discuss the benefits of micro-CHP technology when Congressman Michael Arcuri (NY-24) visits the ECR facility in Utica, N.Y., on Friday, Feb. 27. Arcuri will arrive at approximately 2 p.m., and will tour the facility and meet with ECR leaders to discuss the energy-efficient technology and how it can impact the state of New York and the entire nation.

1/15/2009 - ECR to Host Media Breakfast, Introduce Green Alternative to Home Heating at 2009 International Builders’ Show

ECR International, a designer and manufacturer of hydronic and HVAC equipment, will host a media breakfast and unveil freewatt®,a revolutionary green home heating system at the 2009 International Builders’ Show Jan. 20 – 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The media breakfast will be held Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the press lounge (N232 – N234) where ECR will introduce the freewatt home heating system. freewatt operates using micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology, which marries an ENERGY STAR-rated, high-efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler to a Honda generator. Due to its micro-CHP technology, freewatt qualifies as a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Choice technology.
ECR representatives and Mike Paparone, president and CEO, will be available to answer questions regarding the new technology.
To learn more about freewatt and ECR or to speak with an ECR representative, visit the ECR booth #S9363 in the South Hall.

1/1/2009 - ECR International Unveils New Look

ECR International, a leading manufacturer of heating and cooling appliances, has announced a logo change.

According to Ronald J. Passafaro, Vice President, Sales and Marketing “We must continually evolve to meet the needs of our ever-changing industry, customers and environment. We will however remain true to our rich history of innovation, quality and performance initiated by our founder Earle C. Reed since 1928. “ The new logo pays tribute to ECR’s history, reflects the heating and cooling sides of the business and speaks to their growing commitment to providing high efficiency, environmentally friendly products.

In light of changing the logo, ECR also will be redesigning some of their collateral materials and their Web site. ECR is known as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of hydronic and HVAC equipment.