Deadline nears for energy-cost aid

Jan. 27 is the new deadline for businesses, hospitals and not-for-profit groups to apply for reductions in their electric bills, state officials said. 

The New York Power Authority is again accepting applications for Recharge New York, a program that starts July 1. It will replace the Power for Jobs and Energy Cost Savings Benefit programs, which together have more than 50 participants on Long Island with a combined payroll exceeding 34,600 workers. Local participants include CA Technologies in Islandia, the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System hospitals in Manhasset and Newsday. 

Last year, more than 100 applications were received locally for Recharge New York. Many were from entities that don’t now receive energy breaks from the state, including the bakery Tate’s Wholesale in East Moriches, Amneal Pharmaceuticals in Brookhaven and Southside Hospital in Bay Shore. 

Power Authority spokeswoman Christine Pritchard said electricity allocations will likely start being awarded in the spring. More information can be found at the authority's website.