NY Counting on Long Island(?) for Efficiency

It appears that New York state is getting serious on energy efficiency. The effort is being led by newly-minted Governor David Paterson. The state has committed to reducing overall electricity demand 15% below projected levels by 2015, he's folding the state's biggest utilities into the plan.

Powerhouse electricity provider National Grid, for its part, is adding $1.50 to the bills of its customers to beef up energy-efficiency programs. They expect the new actions to save 4.4 million megawatt hours of electricity and more than $350 million for their customers. The programs will focus on incentives for green building, low-power heating and cooling, and Energy Star appliances. The utility explains that simple energy-saving steps can ease the pain in the pocket: "For example, by replacing just five old incandescent light bulbs with new compact fluorescent bulbs, an individual ratepayer can save an estimated $9 per month on their electricity bill, which outweighs the estimated monthly costs of implementing these programs.”

Long Island seems to be figuring importantly into the efficiency equation. The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) - a partner with National Grid - has announced that it will charge its customers an extra $1 billion over ten years to pay for efficiency initiatives there. The $3/month increases are planned to help pay for rebates for eco-conscious appliances and energy savings at local businesses.

LIPA is also looking to get into the solar business, requesting proposals for 50 megawatts of solar-generated power on Long Island. They expect photovoltaic arrays to cover such choice locals as rooftops, landfills, and brownfields. The plan is part of LIPA's Solar Pioneer Program and will add up to 1% of the utility's total annual demand.

If Long Island becomes the green energy capital of the U.S., then we truly are on our way to a carbonless economy.