LIA committees host discussion on energy

The Long Island Association’s Energy & Environment Committee hosted a discussion focusing on the economic development role of the New York Power Authority and New York State Public Service Commission and heard directly from the leaders of the agencies, NYPA Acting President & CEO Justin E.Driscoll and PSC Chair & CEO Rory M. Christian.“Energy and environment policy at the state level is key to the growth and the resilience of our region’s economy, and we were delighted to welcome Driscoll and Christian who addressed Long Island’s business community for the frst time together to discuss how their agencies are spurring growth and creating new jobs on Long Island,” said Matt Cohen, LIA president & CEO.“The New York Power Authority is an economic development engine for the State, and we are helping to support businesses while advancing our clean energy economy by pilot - ing new technologies and engaging in publicprivate partnerships to ensure grid stability,” said Driscoll.

NYPA produces 25% of all the state’s power on any given day, including a robust renewable energy portfolio, and is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility. The agency manages 16 generation facilities and 1,400 circuitmiles of high-voltage transmission. NYPA’s projects result in thousands of jobs for New Yorkers and economic investment in our state’s communities.“After more than a century of dependence on fossil fuels, the PSC is focusing on a future system emphasizing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Rory M. Christian, PSC Chair & CEO.

The PSC ensures afordable and reliable utility service to all residential and commercial customers throughout New York State. Its regulatory oversight includes all investor-owned utilities in New York and electric utility operations on Long Island. The PSC has focused on deregulation, fostering access to clean energy, and renewable infrastructure build-out. The event included a focus on New York’s transition to electric vehicles.

New Yorkers own more than 123,000 electric cars, and the state incentives and programs discussed included:

• NYPA’s Evolve NY network brings fast and afordable charging stations around the state, with hubs in Riverhead, Commack, and Bridgehampton.

• The Charge NY initiative ofers rebates to New Yorkers, which they can combine with a federal tax credit.

• The Utility 2.0 Program, administered by PSEG Long Island, provides funding for customer upgrades to install approximately 500 direct connect ports, a signifcant increase compared to what is available today.

Drive Electric LI hosted a showcase of electric vehicles in the parking lot before and after the event. The Drive Electric Long Island coalition is dedicated to encouraging and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicle usage and charging infrastructure through advocacy, education, and outreach eforts. The LIA’s Energy and Environment Committee examines a variety of issues, including green jobs, power generation, efciency, groundwater protection, agriculture, and clean air.

The Committee leadership includes:

• Chairs: Jennifer Garvey, Head of Market Strategy for New York, Ørsted U.S. Ofshore Wind; Richard Humann, PE President & CEO, H2M Architects and Engineers

• Vice Chairs: Dawn Harmon, Area Asset Manager for Long Island, Covanta; DavidSchieren, CEO, EmPower Sola