Southold may revive disbanded alternative energy committee

Southold town officials are considering reviving a town committee devoted to exploring alternative sources of energy that was disbanded nearly four years ago.

Southold’s Renewable and Alternative Energy Committee was formed in 2006 and made recommendations on renewable and alternative energy policies. Its members also explored potential grant or loan opportunities, incentive programs and utility legislation initiatives on the federal, state and local levels.

In 2007, the committee drafted a town code that allowed wind turbines to be placed on town agricultural properties larger than seven acres, and later led a 2012 effort on a local streetlight retrofit and replacement project.

The committee was disbanded in 2014 because there was a feeling the panel “had run its course” and had reached all of its goals, said Councilman Robert Ghosio.

He said residents have expressed new interest in renewable energy. Some have recently asked the town board to help promote local solar energy opportunities, while others personally asked Ghosio about following up on an abandoned proposal — which came from renewable energy developer SunEdison, which filed for bankruptcy in 2016 — to develop a solar farm installation at the town-owned landfill in Cutchogue.

“There seems to be a renewed sense that since government subsidies have waned and are starting to go away, the question is ‘What do we do now?’ ” said Ghosio. “If there are grants out there, or things the town might want to do to continue using renewable energy, maybe we can revive that committee.”

Clean energy grants have benefited Southold in the past.

In March 2017, the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority designated Southold as a Clean Energy Community, enabling town officials to apply for $100,000 in grant funding for clean energy projects, including ongoing efforts to place solar panels at the town’s animal shelter.

Councilwoman Louisa Evans said at last week’s work session that it “might be well worth it” to revive the committee if there is sufficient interest. Councilwoman Jill Doherty suggested presenting the committee’s reformation as a resolution at a future meeting.

Ghosio said the town would likely advertise for new members if the committee is resurrected.

Town Supervisor Scott Russell did not respond to requests for comment.