A winter stress test for Long Island energy

This winter's series of deep freezes that gripped Long Island served as a stress test, forcing energy utility providers to deliver record-breaking natural gas volumes to meet unprecedented demand while reminding us of the need for a robust infrastructure to meet that challenge.

Since January National Grid shattered four regional records for usage, with six of its top 10 all-time peaks occurring. The gas system operated flawlessly, due to expert planning, a dedicated union workforce — and an uninterrupted gas supply that utilities can't completely rely on or control. Customers, however, are expected to see increased costs for the gas they used during this period.

While few Long Islanders give a second thought to how the heat and lights stay on, those operating our energy grid don't have that luxury. Weeks of freezing temperatures caused great anxiety for all utilities, particularly on Long Island where National Grid operates the gas system with finite supplies due to limited pipelines supplying that energy. Only careful management of that resource has avoided a crisis. To mitigate that risk as much as possible, National Grid adds compressed natural gas and runs two liquefied natural gas plants to help with shortfalls, but those resources are limited and must last all season long. They are of little help if regional pipeline companies experience interruptions and gas can't reach New York.

In the face of this reality, environmental advocates continue to push Albany to approve anti-natural gas policies, ignoring that our electric grid also relies heavily on this fuel, which generates nearly 90% of the electricity produced in New York City and on Long Island. They studiously ignore that during extreme weather we all depend on natural gas — not their wishful thinking.

We have seen how prolonged natural gas shortages during extreme cold can pose a severe threat to public safety and Long Island's economic stability. The stakes will only grow higher if Albany pushes more New Yorkers toward electric heat and EVs. This transition would double our power demand and create year-round energy peaks as severe weather during both winter and summer stretches generating stations to their capacity and beyond.

By way of context, Northport Power Station set a record for its highest production day ever during last June’s heat wave, just as the state’s independent electric grid operator issued alerts requiring energy conservation before the system could have tripped millions of people offline.

We cannot afford to gamble our regional stability on imaginary energy sources and ideological doctrine.

Fortunately, we are seeing a long-overdue correction in Albany.

Gov. Kathy Hochul's embrace of an all-of-the-above energy strategy is a victory for common sense and pragmatic thinking. By easing overly aggressive targets to eliminate natural gas, delaying the all-electric building mandate, and approving enhanced pipeline capacity, the state is recognizing energy realities and acknowledging New Yorkers' wallet concerns.

This shift is vital because energy security goes beyond the critical task of keeping homes and businesses habitable during extreme winter temperatures. It is a recognition that affordable, reliable and ample energy is the cornerstone of our region’s future.

To protect our residents and ensure our future is strong, we must continue to prioritize investments in natural gas infrastructure while simultaneously seeking to drive renewable options.

With the mercury back above the freezing mark, let's recognize we dodged a bullet thus far. Let's make sure we aren't relying on luck the next time winter windchills race below zero.

This guest essay reflects the views of Kyle Strober, executive director of the Association for a Better Long Island.