The Long Island Association (LIA)’s Energy & Environment Committee hosted a discussion on February 9, focusing on the economic development role of the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) and heard directly from the leaders of the agencies, NYPA Acting President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll and PSC Chair and CEO Rory M. Christian.
“Energy and environmental policy at the state level is key to the growth and the resilience of our region’s economy,” said LIA President/CEO Matt Cohen.
“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 piloting new technologies and engaging in public-private partnerships to ensure grid stability,” said NYPA Acting President/CEO Justin E. 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 circuit-miles 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 and CEO.
The PSC ensures affordable 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, which brings fast and affordable charging stations around the state, with hubs in Riverhead, Commack, and Bridgehampton.
- The Charge NY initiative, which offers rebates to New Yorkers, which they can combine with a federal tax credit.
- The Utility 2.0 Program, administered by PSEG Long Island, which provides funding for customer upgrades to install approximately 500 direct connect ports, a significant 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 efforts.