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.

$9 Million Competitive Opportunity Launched for Expanded Offshore Wind Workforce Development and Training Initiatives to Address Workforce Gaps and Prepare New Yorkers for High-Growth Jobs

October 20, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced the successful land transfer between New York State and Suffolk County to bring a National Offshore Wind Training Center to New York. The Governor also launched a $9 million competitive opportunity through the State's Offshore Wind Training Institute, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in collaboration with the State University of New York Farmingdale State College and Stony Brook University, for expanded offshore wind workforce development and training initiatives to address workforce gaps and prepare New Yorkers for high-growth jobs in this growing industry. Today's announcements represent continued progress to establish New York State as the nation's primary hub for offshore wind and supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.

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?