Push for more NY solar power starts in Assembly

Seeking to expand use of solar power, state lawmakers are pushing a bill requiring utilities by 2026 to deliver more electricity that's generated from the sun.

The legislation, sponsored by Assemb. Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and Sen. George Maziarz (R-Newfane), would boost the amount of available solar power statewide to 5,000 megawatts, or about 3 percent of total electricity. Solar now accounts for 54 megawatts, or 0.1 percent.

Supporters of the bill estimated it would generate $20 billion in economic activity and more than 22,000 jobs, excluding manufacturing positions. Opponents said the measure permits utilities to raise the average homeowner's bill by 39 cents per month to cover the cost of solar power generation.

Noting New Jersey's growing use of solar power, Englebright said, "New York is presently underperforming. . . . This is an opportunity to turn that around and to create a new market."

The legislation passed out of the Assembly's Energy Committee Wednesday in a 12-5 vote. The measure could be taken up by the full Assembly, where Democrats are in the majority, as soon as next month. The Senate Energy Committee, led by Maziarz, hasn't yet considered it.

Area advocates for the use of alternative fuels vowed to lobby for the bill's passage.

Gordian Raacke, founder and executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island, predicted the local solar industry would "increase thirteen fold" if the bill became law. Solar power systems here have the capacity to generate about 30 megawatts of electricity now.

Raacke and others said solar power is popular despite the expense of installing panels. A system for a homeowner using 9,600 kilowatts of electricity per year would cost $20,000 after $27,000 in federal and state tax credits and a Long Island Power Authority rebate.

"It's an investment that will pay off," Raacke said.

The bill requires LIPA, National Grid and other utilities to have 2.5 percent of their electricity supply produced by the sun in 15 years.

The Independent Power Producers of New York opposes the legislation, alleging it reverses state policy aimed at spurring competition among alternative energy producers. Power Producers chief executive Gavin J. Donohue said the costs of solar power would be "unfairly" borne by ratepayers instead of private investors in energy companies.