Preliminary Statement on the Future of LIPA

Vision Long Island would like to acknowledge the exemplary record of Governor Andrew Cuomo in advancing Smart Growth and sustainability initiatives on Long Island and throughout New York State.  The Governor has worked to implement the NYS Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act, directing state resources towards town center based economic development and associated infrastructure through his Regional Economic Councils; signed the NYS Complete Streets law and directed the Cleaner Greener Communities sustainability plan and grants program.

Vision Long Island has received a variety of requests by many community partners, environmental leaders, small businesses and government officials to take a position on the Governor’s proposed plan for the future of LIPA and energy delivery on Long Island. 

Vision Long Island recognizes the vital importance of LIPA's existing Clean Energy programs to our region's small businesses, residents and educational institutions.  These programs provide energy efficiency and renewable alternatives that both reduce energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions and grow our economy.  The allocation of $130 million annually is the strongest regional investment in green energy in New York State.  Local efficiency programs including home energy audits and the Small Business Direct Install are more active here than in any other region, and LIPA’s solar program has resulted in more solar installations on Long Island than the rest of the state combined. For these and other reasons we are honoring them at our Smart Growth Awards luncheon this year. Vision seeks to ensure the funding for LIPA's Clean Energy programs is preserved, or potentially strengthened, and that decisions regarding budgets and policies for those programs continue to be made locally, by Long Islanders. 

It is also very important for a state of the art regional communication systems and infrastructure changes to LIPA and other entities.  Post-Sandy has taught us many things and one thing there needs to be is a unified approach to any future changes.  The proposed restructuring of LIPA needs to be evaluated to determine if it will drive investments that increase the resilience of electrical grid by advancing funding in storm hardening and smart meters.  We also seek to understand the impact of any new proposal on the small business community that has been particularly hard hit by a four year recession and economic stagnation.

Having borne some of the highest energy costs in the nation, our collective goal must focus on attempting to create for Long Island the best possible, yet feasible long term solution that both meets Long Island’s energy needs and provides a sustainable and financially competitive infrastructure. A solution of this magnitude, therefore, is worthy of a thorough, thoughtful, yet timely analysis of Long Island’s options and alternatives.

Our Board of Directors met and recognizes that the Governor’s 70 page proposal deserves full vetting and public review.  Like any large scale initiative, the details in this plan have provoked questions and as folks know on Long Island, actions as small as moving a sidewalk warrant formal public hearings.   It is crucial that any proposal as far reaching as the future of energy delivery and economic impact on Long Island be fully reviewed with sufficient time to analyze and properly consider all changes.  The report from Lazard on this plan has not yet been released and considered along with the Brattle report that has set LIPA on the course of its current reforms with PSE&G that take effect on January 1, 2014.  

Combining both a sense of urgency and an effective and transparent process – including the necessary public hearings, will only enhance public support and ownership of the solution.  It will also provide an opportunity to answer the many questions that are coming forward.

Vision encourages all Long Island residents, small businesses and other stakeholders to review the Governor’s proposal as well as associated reports and points of view in the weeks and months ahead.  Many Long Islanders are calling for public meetings and hearings and there are likely to be held on very short notice so please be prepared with information. 

For a copy of the Governor’s proposal and press release look here:
Governor Cuomo Unveils Detailed Proposal for New Long Island Utility Company
Governor Cuomo: LIPA Reform Proposal

For recent deliberations from LIPA’s Board of Director’s look here:
LIPA Webcast

For a copy of the Brattle report that outlines the current LIPA reforms look here.

For recent news articles and opinion pieces on the legislation look here:
Newsday: LIPA, Cuomo aides discuss rate freeze
Long Island Press: Cuomo Announces Proposal For LIPA’s Future
News12: Critics: Cuomo's proposal to overhaul LIPA removes key oversight
CBS: Legislators Tentatively Back Cuomo’s Plan To Do Away With LIPA
Joye Brown's recent editorial concerning proposed changes to LIPA

For recent statements from Long Island environment organizations look here:
Sign-on Letter from environmental organizations

What do you think?  Please forward questions and proposals for consideration as we all seek to provide input into the best energy infrastructure direction for our Long Island communities and businesses.  Send comments to info@visionlongisland.org.