Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners' Association (NSWCA) Examines Geothermal HVAC Energy Systems

Farmingdale, NY USA; July 22, 2015 - Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), of which Massapequa Water District Commissioner Thomas P. Hand serves as president, recently held a meeting hosted by Greenlawn Water District and its Commissioners William Wieck, James Logan and John McLaughlin where energy expert John Franceschina, P.E. presented a comprehensive overview of Long Island’s Geothermal Energy options. The presentation was the latest in NSWCA’s Continuing Education Series.

Mr. Franceschina is Senior Manager of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response at Lockheed Martin, was recently the Manager of PSEG LI’s residential energy efficiency programs (from January 2014 – March 2015) and is current President of Long Island Geothermal Organization. He explained how geothermal is renewable, clean energy that uses the earth’s heat to provide high efficiency heating and cooling for new and existing construction.

“Geothermal energy is good for Long Island,” remarked Mr. Franceschina. “Geothermal systems reduce the use of oil and oil tanks, lower the carbon foot print, and lower energy rates. They emit no smoke and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Currently, there are over 2,500 geothermal HVAC installations on Long Island.”

NSWCA President Hand stated, “In theory, the NSWCA supports any program that creates a greener Long Island. However, geothermal energy requires boring 6 to 8 feet down and underground temperature exchanges. We must be vigilant to ensure that proper measures are taken to thwart potential problems below ground where our single source aquifer resource resides.”

Organized and chartered in 1981, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau and Suffolk County water districts. The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. NSWCA sponsors regular educational meetings on topics that include the environment, security, economics, rules and regulations, among other related issues.

For further information, please contact Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association President Mr. Thomas P. Hand via phone, 516-798-5269, or email, tphand@massapequawater.com.