Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a bill enabling Long Island Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs, expanding access to alternative energy options throughout our region.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I-Sag Harbor) and Senator Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach), authorizes CCAs within the Long Island Power Authority’s service territory.
“CCA programs allow local communities and their residents to pool resources when purchasing energy, thereby expanding access to significantly enhanced alternative options and autonomy over their sources of energy and energy mix,” Thiele said in a news release on December 22.
In 2016, the state’s Public Service Commission authorized CCA programs statewide. However, the initial order failed to consider the complexities of LIPA’s service territory and rate structure, Thiele said. As a result, Long Islanders could not access the benefits of CCAs.
Statewide, more than 60 municipalities already participate in CCA programs, of which more than half are powered by 100 percent renewable energy, according to Thiele’s office.
“CCAs are proven to be vital as New York State pursues its ambitious climate goals,” he said. “Long Island plays an undeniable role in New York State’s energy and climate future. With this bill now officially signed into law, our towns can finally join the rest of the state in pursuing greener and cheaper energy alternatives.”
Former Town Councilman Mike Bebon worked with the Shelter Island Green Options Committee to create a presentation about CCAs, among other energy options for Shelter Islanders. Follow this link to read our post on that extensive presentation.
Renewable energy logo by Melanie Maecker-Tursun, via ponymithorn.com
