The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) voted on January 25, 2017 to formally approve the development of New York’s first ever, and the nation’s largest, offshore wind farm, located off the east end of Long Island. The approved 90-megawatt, 15-turbine offshore wind farm will produce enough energy to power over 50,000 homes. LIPA cited that offshore wind was the most cost effective proposal to meet Long Island’s South Fork energy needs.  

Last week, in his bold State of the State announcement, Governor Cuomo committed to building 2,400 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind power by 2030 – enough to power 1.25 million homes. The Administration will also release a master plan by the end of the year, mapping out the state’s intention to build offshore wind to scale, which is essential in ensuring the Governor meets his goal to power 50 percent of New York’s energy from renewables by 2030. The Governor also pledged his support for New York’s first, and the nation’s largest, offshore wind project off the east end of Long Island.

Local, state and national organizations hailed this project as an essential first step towards a bold, long-term, large scale offshore wind program for New York. Building off of LIPA’s historic vote today, groups also urged the LIPA Board of Directors to commit to an additional investment of at least 210 more megawatts of offshore wind in the upcoming Island Wide procurement. The decision, which is expected to happen in March of 2017, will help ensure Long Island becomes a regional hub for a new, clean energy industry, spurring thousands of jobs and economic development opportunities throughout the state.

Click here for the entire news release.

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?