DATE: December 16, 2022 Contact: Gregory Sandor | mailto:[email protected] | (516) 832 - 2591

Hubs will foster community engagement and ensure disadvantaged communities benefit from New York’s clean energy transition

- EAST MEADOW, NY — Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $4 million in funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County (CCE) to establish a Regional Clean Energy Hub (Hub) in the Long Island region, as part of an initiative to connect local communities with clean energy resources. The Hub will unify the region’s clean energy programs and services, and build on the extensive relationships, expertise and experience of CCE associations and partnering agencies. Regional partners for the Long Island Hub Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, United Way of Long Island, Renewable Energy Long Island, Hofstra University, Molloy University, and Farmingdale State College.

REPORT EXPECTS CONTINUED DECLINE IN NORTHPORT POWER STATION USE FROM 55% OF PLANT CAPACITY IN 2005 TO 2.9% BY 2035

UNIONDALE, NY - May 19, 2020 — The Long Island Power Authority today released a New York State mandated Repowering Feasibility Study of the Northport Power Station, alongside its annual Property Tax Report. The study shows that accelerating the retirement of 400 to 600 megawatts of vintage, fossil-fueled steam power plants in 2022 can save Long Island electric consumers over $300 million.

“These reports demonstrate that our efforts to reduce electric demand through one of the nation’s leading energy efficiency programs is both good for the environment and our customers’ electric bills,” LIPA Chief Executive Officer Tom Falcone said. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the stress it is placing on families throughout Long Island, it is more important than ever that we operate efficiently, reduce cost, and treat all our customers fairly.”

Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island, said: “Retiring vintage fossil-fueled power plants makes sense as we remodel our energy infrastructure to a 21^st-century system running on renewable energy with smarter, more energy-efficient technology. We commend LIPA for the vision to power Long Island 100 percent with clean and renewable power sources by 2040, which will dramatically reduce air and climate pollution while saving consumers money.”

Environmental Organizations Applaud Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy for our Island 

Farmingdale, NY – Today the Long Island Power Authority and PSEG-Long Island released a long awaited draft plan for current and future energy needs for Long Island.  New York has a target to source 50 percent of energy from renewables, including a target to add 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind power to New York’s grid, by 2030.  The cost effective investments in offshore wind, energy efficiency and new renewable energy under the draft plan positions the utility to comply with New York State’s targets and outlines a bold path forward for transformation to a 21^st century utility. 

The three year study concluded that sinking more ratepayer funds in outdated fossil fuel power plants and building new gas plants is unnecessary given the high $5 billion cost, the reduced prices of natural gas and the fact that these outdated investments are not needed for grid reliability. Instead, the findings conclude that the most cost effective new investments will increase the growth of renewable energy from 2017 through 2030 in order to better balance and diversify Long Island’s energy needs and will stabilize and reduce costs for bill payers.  The utility plans on adding 800 megawatts of offshore wind and solar in addition to 950 megawatts of rooftop solar, other renewables and energy saving measures. 

Highlights of LIPA/PSEG 2017 LI Integrated Resource Plan findings

• Flat Forecasts: LIPA revised its long-term load forecasts downward now predicting virtually no growth through 2035. 1,700 MW decline by 2030 compared to 2013 forecast (equal to 3 – 5 large power plants).
• Historic Tipping Point: Instead of continued investments in outdated fossil fueled power plants, LIPA now plans to add build out renewable energy on Long Island.
• Fossil Power Going Down: Power production at Long Island’s legacy power plants has declined since 1999 from about 50% runtime to as little as 11% and is projected decline even further by 2030.
• Repowering Can’t Compete with Renewables: electricity from new or refurbished large power plants would cost as much or more than current renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is now cost competitive and future costs are expected to decline further.
• Modern Grid Additions: Instead of investing in large fossil generators, renewable energy technologies will be augmented by more flexible peaking generators, battery storage, smart grid controls and energy demand management, and distributed energy sources.
• 50% Renewables by 2030:  LIPA's new Energy Guide envisions dramatic growth of renewable energy from 2017 through 2030, in line with NY State mandate to meet half of state’s electricity consumption from renewable energy sources.
• Clean Power for 350,000 Homes: 800 MW of solar & offshore wind power will provide enough power for 350,000 homes by 2030, in addition to 950 MW of energy efficiency savings, rooftop solar energy and other renewables.
• More Offshore: Governor Cuomo’s 2,400 MW of offshore wind power will likely be off Long Island’s shores and interconnect to the electric grid on Long Island.
• Aiming for 100% Renewable Energy: In his 2017 State of the State address, Governor Cuomo laid out New York’s long term objective to meet 100% of our energy needs from renewables by saying: “We want to get 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030 and we are not going to stop until we reach 100 percent renewable because that’s what a sustainable New York is really all about.”

 In response, environmentalists released the following statements:

Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies

Expected to generate enough clean solar energy to offset the equivalent of:

Annual greenhouse gas emissions from:

 CO2 Emissions from: 

Vegetative buffer to preserve viewshed and maintain rural character

(artist renderings)

Quotes on Offshore Wind Power from Long Island Officials and Leaders

"New York is on the threshold of creating a significant market opportunity for offshore wind power through LIPA’s 280 MW renewable energy request for proposals. Making the commitment to move forward with a significant offshore wind project this year will not only help New York further its state-wide carbon reduction and renewable energy goals but will create hundreds of Long-Island based jobs in the short term and positions Long Island to serve as a major regional hub for the U.S. offshore wind industry in the long term."  Joint letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo by 14 members of the Long Island Delegation of the NYS Assembly (click here for the full letter)

 "[Deepwater ONE] would greatly bolster the East End's energy reliability, be environmentally friendly and help stabilize rates for residents. The proposed wind farm would be located 30 miles offshore, so it would have little or no impact on any community...Deepwater Wind has my support."   Kenneth P. LaValle, NYS Senator (click here for the full statement)

 "Deepwater Wind's project can be an important part of addressing the East End's energy challenges, both near-term and long-term. By producing most of its energy during the middle of the day, when LIPA needs it most, Deepwater Wind's proposal is likely to help stabilize rates." Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr.  (click here for the full statement)

 "One of the areas of renewable energy that we, as Long Islanders, can rally behind is Offshore Wind. While Upstate New York reaps the benefits of cheap hydropower, we have to play to our strength here on Long Island." Phil Boyle, NYS Senator (click here for the full statement)

"Particularly notable in the Deepwater proposal is its potential as a generator of jobs...Given our location, Long Island is ideally positioned to serve as a hub for the U.S. offshore wind industry, which would be a welcome boost for an economy that lost a vast number of defense industry jobs." Steven Bellone, Suffolk County Executive (click here for the full statement)

 "Offshore wind is important for Long Island as a source of cost-effective clean energy. As an abundant domestic energy resource, offshore wind can be a big part of the energy portfolio for Long Island's future. And, unlike energy generated by fossil fuels, the cost of energy from offshore wind is 100% predictable. This is especially important here on Long Island, where we need greater rate stability and certainty to attract new businesses." Edward P. Romaine, Supervisor, Town of Brookhaven, NY (click here for the full statement)

 "Our community is embracing solar PV, advanced battery storage systems and on- and offshore wind energy to fulfill our [100%] renewable energy goals. We respectfully request the LIPA Board to full honor and commit to the RFPs and what our community is embracing and encouraging. We ask that LIPA biard decisions not hinder our community goals." East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell, Deputy Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc, Councilwoman Sylvia Overby, Councilwoman Kathee Burkee-Gonzales (click here for the full letter)

"Long Island should be a hub of offshore wind development. With our strategic location centered on the East Coast and an advanced supply chain from the aerospace industry, the region is poised to lead. Let’s put our men and women back to work — on a project that could propel a new American energy industry."  John Durso, President, Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and the president of Local 338, RWDSU/UFCW. (click here to read the full NY Daily News Opinion piece)

"By planning now for the transmission and generation of offshore wind energy, New York can be sure that this great resource will provide reliable clean energy to the public and substantial job opportunities to our skilled workforce for decades.... We believe Long Island is ideally placed to become a hub for offshore wind development considering its geography, access to skilled trades, manufacturing and the potential to develop port facilities."   Roger Clayman, Executive Director, Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO (click here for the full statement)

"Faced with the burden of utility bills that threatens the competitive position of the Long Island economy, our membership seeks and supports those initiatives that will strategically lessen our dependency on fossil fuels and address the seasonal commodity price spikes that seriously harm every energy consumer. This wind farm proposal will tackle these problems, and we are urging the Long Island Power Authority to proceed with all due speed in making this proposal a reality."  Desmond Ryan, Executive Director, Association for a Better Long Island (click here to read the press release from ABLI)

return to windworks 4 long island page

Deepwater Wind, a developer of offshore wind farms, has submitted a proposal to LIPA for Deepwater ONE, an offshore wind farm to be located about 30 miles east of Montauk Point of Long Island. The project will not be visible from Long Island. Deepwater is in the process of building a much smaller offshore wind farm off Rhode Island and it hopes that this and the Deepwater ONE project for Long Island will help jumpstart the offshore wind industry in the United States.

Powering Long Island's East End. Deepwater ONE would provide a much-needed source of new and clean energy for the East End of Long Island. With 35 of the largest and latest-technology offshore wind turbines, Deepwater ONE would produce enough power for 120,000 households on Long Island.

Offshore wind is a clean energy source that will improve air quality on Long Island. Deepwater ONE can displace the emission of many tons of carbon into the atmosphere every year, for decades. And all transmission cables will be buried deep below existing roadways and shoreline features – no overhead cables or new utility poles required.

Cost-Effective, Clean Energy. Deepwater ONE’s power will be cost-competitive with other sources of power. Importantly, Deepwater ONE will produce most of its energy during peak usage periods late in the day.

Who owns the Site? Deepwater Wind won the nation’s first auction for an offshore wind lease from the U.S. Department of the Interior. In total, the project site is roughly 250 square miles.

When? Deepwater ONE construction could begin in 2017, with the project in-service in 2018.

New Jobs and Investment. Deepwater ONE will create several hundred new jobs on Long Island, including work for engineers, tradesmen and women, and the gamut of jobs necessary to build and maintain a major project like this one.

Click here to read more about the project on Deepwater Wind's website.

Deepwater One Press Release:

Deepwater Wind Proposes Powering Long Island’s East End With Renewable Energy From Offshore Wind Farm

Wind Farm Will Not Be Visible from Long Island

March 26, 2014 – In response to the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)’s request for new sources of renewable energy, Deepwater Wind is proposing supplying Long Island with more than 200 megawatts of renewable energy from Deepwater ONE – an offshore wind farm located approximately 30 miles east of Montauk, New York. At this distance, the wind farm will be “over the horizon,” and not visible from any point on Long Island.

Read more...

Return to wind works for Long Island Page

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?

Global climate change threatens the area with dangers like rising sea levels, an increase in the intensity of storms including hurricanes, etc.  By promoting the adoption of locally-produced renewable energy, we can help preserve our community for tomorrow’s generation, while strengthening the local electrical system’s reliability today.

Benefits of solar:

• Reduces harmful emissions and delivers reliable power when our grid needs it the most.
• Predictable low cost energy for years to come.
• Sustainable, renewable.
• Following its useful life, the project will be decommissioned – the facility will be removed and land will be restored to pre-facility conditions according to input from local authorities, conservation groups and key stakeholders.

HELP NEW YORK MEET CLEAN ENERGY GOALS

The Long Island solar projects will help New York State meet Governor Cuomo’s clean energy and carbon reduction goals.

THE PROJECTS*

• Riverhead Solar Farm > 

• Shoreham Solar Farm >

 *The above is a list of currently proposed solar energy projects on Long Island. To read more about the proposed offshore wind project, click here.

Quotes from key influencers about solar in NY:

"When Governor Cuomo unveiled his NY-Sun Initiative at the beginning of 2012, he made increasing solar power a major initiative for the state,”
– Francis Murray, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA).  Solar Reviews, 06.10.13

Gov. Cuomo’s Successful NY-Sun Solar Program Will Shine through 2023.  Business, Environmental Leaders Applaud Commitment to 10 Times More Clean, Affordable Solar Power in New York State.
– Reuters, 04.24.14

Your home may be costing you more money than it should due to inefficient energy use. Commonly, energy you pay for in the form of heat or air conditioning escapes through leaks around windows and doors, insufficient attic insulation and leaking ducts. The first step to making your home more energy efficient is getting a home energy audit, where BPI accredited technicians using sophisticated equipment check your home for common sources of energy loss. They will prepare a detailed report outlining areas that could be improved and how much the work will cost. The best part is this service is completely free. It’s a great way to save on your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

To get your free home energy audit, fill in the form below from Long Island Green Homes, a non-profit collaborative established to assist homeowners in making their homes more energy efficient.

If you are also interested in free NEST thermostats and $600 energy efficient pool pump rebates through the new South Fork Peak Savers program, be sure check the Smart Thermostat and In-ground pool check box below.

The Long Island Green Homes Initiative is a partnership of the Town of East Hampton and other Long Island towns, not-for-profit community-based organizations like Renewable Energy Long Island, and Molloy College to help Long Islanders improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

reLI’s mission is to empower communities on Long Island and beyond through renewable energy outreach and education. We do this by 1) serving as a resource to help communities join the global 100% renewable energy movement, and 2) providing consumer-friendly information on commercial and residential clean energy technologies such as solar, wind and energy efficiency. Our website features a clean energy contractor locator making it simple to connect customers and clean energy companies.