New York State Announces First Ever Offshore Wind Energy Awards 

Nation-leading Program Sends Powerful Message To Launch Offshore Wind Industry                                                     

New York, July 18, 2019 — Governor Cuomo announced today that Equinor US Holdings and a joint venture between Orsted A/S and Eversource Energy are the successful bidders in the State’s first ever offshore wind solicitation conducted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Following a competitive process, NYSERDA selected two projects that when constructed will provide 1700 megawatts-hours of clean, renewable electricity into New York’s grid, enough to power 1 million households. The 1700 MW award is the largest in the nation to-date and the first major installment toward the Governor’s nation-leading commitment to develop 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035. It is an important step towards the greenhouse gas reduction and renewable energy targets contained in the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. 

Read the entire news release here.

Currently over 14,000 homes and businesses on Long Island derive all or part of their electricity from the sun. The cost of solar panels has been dropping steadily over time, and between rebates offered by PSEG-Long Island and federal and state tax credits, in most cases solar energy systems are paid off in 5-10 years. Once paid off, aside from a modest fee connecting you to the grid, the electricity your panels generate is free.

And now you can own a solar electric system without putting down cash! NY State's new reduced-interest rate loans for solar energy systems are repaid through an installment charge on your utility bill. Your monthly electric savings pay off the loan and you get all the benefits of making your own power! Click here to learn more, then find a solar contractor to get started.

If you're interested in getting solar for your home, business, municipality or school, reLI offers a "Find-a-Contractor" search to connect you with solar installers on Long Island. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND A SOLAR CONTRACTOR 

On May 20, 2014, the East Hampton Town Board unanimously adopted a resolution  to meet 100% of annual community-wide electricity usage with renewable energy sources by 2020. Furthermore, the Town aims to meet 100% of annual community-wide energy consumption in all sectors (electricity, heating, and transportation) with renewable energy sources by 2030.

Long Island is at a critical juncture in determining its energy future. The Long Island Clean Electricity Vision began at a Long Island Energy Roundtable meeting, a gathering of environmental professionals, with a simple but bold question which challenges conventional thinking:

Could Long Island meet 100 percent of its electricity needs with energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies which are available today?