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 first 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
piloting new technologies and engaging in public-private 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 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 & 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 brings fast and affordable charging stations around
the state, with hubs in Riverhead, Commack, and Bridgehampton.
• The Charge NY initiative offers 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 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.
The LIA’s Energy and Environment Committee examines a variety of issues, including
green jobs, power generation, efficiency, groundwater protection, agriculture, and clean
air. The Committee leadership includes:
• Chairs: Jennifer Garvey, Head of Market Strategy for New York, Ørsted U.S.
Offshore Wind; Richard Humann, PE President & CEO, H2M Architects and
Engineers
• Vice Chairs: Dawn Harmon, Area Asset Manager for Long Island, Covanta; David
Schieren, CEO, EmPower Sola
