SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
ENERGY
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rogowsky, Kaplowitz, Ryan
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor R. Elliott; CE: B. Randolph; Community Energy: J. Siciliani, Ron Kamen, Marian Trieste; FCWC: Edna Sussman; BOL Staff: S. Vanderberg, R. Vega
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
Founded 3 years ago in Pennsylvania, Mr. Kamen said Community Energy’s mission was to provide fuel free electricity. New York State electricity is generated via a number of sources including coal, oil, nuclear power, wind and renewables. All, with the exception of wind energy, have a negative impact on the environment. The fastest growing energy source worldwide, wind generated electricity is both emission and fuel free. Consumers are able to buy into wind farms and enter into long-term contracts that help to facilitate fixed prices.
The industry has made major advances over the last 3 years; the demand in Pennsylvania alone has increased dramatically, a new 65-mega watt farm is now required to keep up with wind growth in that State alone. The anticipated year’s end mega watt capacity will be at 215. The Penn State Higher Education Consortium (which includes smaller colleges, churches and businesses) is a major consumer of wind power in the state. Other states using wind generated energy
include Jersey, West Virginia and Illinois.
New York States’s wind resource is estimated at 5,000 mega-watts on land and 5,200 offshore. Mr. Kamen suggested wind generated electricity alone could usurp the need for coal, oil and renewable varieties. The use of wind, gas and hydropower generated electricity could eliminate the need for the former sources in addition to nuclear power, thereby reducing many environmental contaminants. The devastation potential presented by the presence of nuclear plants would also be eliminated.
Although some may find them aesthetically displeasing, most are surprised at the low noise level the windmills produce. The 30-mega watt Fenner Wind Farm located near Syracuse, New York, already has 50+ business & non-profit and 4,500 residential customers. Binghamton Congressman Hinchley and Uttica Congressman Burkett have each arranged for their federal office buildings to be powered 100% by wind energy. Currently buffalo University is the largest purchaser of wind energy in the State.
There are several more farms near completion and Community Energy would like to have 48 operating mw’s of wind energy by year’s end and 317 mega watts available for sale by the end of 2004.
Because it is an intermittent resource, wind energy takes priority over all other resources entered into the state’s power grid. Premiums charged to customers are reflected at the retail level. Customers receive certificates stating that the amount of wind energy purchased has been entered into the State’s power grid for usage as well as ownership of the environmental benefits thereof.
Mr. Rogowsky said the County’s energy contract with NYPA expires in 2004. It was suggested Mr. Kamen speak to Mr. Ed Gibbs for an accurate accounting of the County’s kilo watt usage per year in order to provide an estimate of the County’s wind energy needs and the cost.
Mr. Kamen said the Village of Croton-on-Hudson had recently purchased a certain amount of kilo wattage from Community Energy
at 2 cents per kilowatt premium.
Mayor Bob Elliott, Croton-on-Hudson, said the $9,000 dollar increase to the municipal budget was met with some resistance from Board of Trustee members, but not much. He attributed the minimal amount of residential criticism to the board’s constant dialogue with the public and the dissemination of information. He felt the Government had a responsibility to educate the public; ensuring they are aware and understand all options available to them.
Legislator Kaplowitz suggested, wind energy be considered as an energy source for the WC Airport, since the airport is its own entity. Adding the County as a whole could benefit environmentally from the Airport being “green.” Westchester community College was also identified as a possible participant.
It was decided efforts would be made to put Mr. Kamen in contact with all concerned parties and members notified when a meeting was arranged.
Legislator Rogowsky suggested the participation of County school districts also be considered; adding in addition to the environmental benefits there could be tremendous educational merits as well.
It was suggested the County’s State delegation be brought into this discussion.
Legislator Rogowsky said NYPA would be presenting the results of their audits of the County to the Committee at the next meeting.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 11:26 a.m.