The Business Council of Westchester's Energy Agenda: An Explainer

Among BCW’s concerns is assuring an abundant supply of affordable, clean energy, a topic about which New York AREA Chairman Arthur “Jerry” Kremer spoke at BCW’s Lobby Day in Albany in February. Here are more specifics from BCW’s agenda:

1. Support the continued operation of Indian Point Energy Center

BCW notes that Westchester County’s Indian Point “provides 11 percent of the state’s total electricity, and over a quarter of that electricity is used in the New York City metropolitan area.” In their report, “An Assessment of Energy Needs in Westchester County,” BCW concluded that the plant’s closure would be disastrous for the region’s economy by leading to “higher consumer electricity costs, frequent power outages, and increased carbon emissions” (18).

2. Reduce energy costs to spur the economy and benefit consumers

To relieve disproportionately high energy prices burdening New York ratepayers, BCW calls for the repeal of the 18-a assessment electricity tax. The Public Policy Institute of New York reports that “up to 26 percent of the typical New Yorker’s monthly electric bill is for various taxes and fees” (19); repealing 18-a would save consumers and businesses $200 million by 2017.

3. Approach Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) with care

BCW considers the Governor’s plan to transform New York’s energy market great in theory, but cautions that “consumer impact [must be] thoroughly documented” and that the plan not “lead to higher electricity costs”; “only proposals that will clearly benefit consumers should be adopted” (20).

4. Make Indian Point a key to Clean Energy Standard (CES)

Governor Cuomo’s Clean Energy Standard calls for a 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels and for 50% of New York’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. BCW emphasizes that such a reduction in carbon emissions would be impossible without Indian Point.

New York AREA looks forward to continuing to work with BCW on these crucial shared interests for the benefit of all the communities and businesses in the Hudson Valley.

To read the Business Council of Westchester’s full 2016 legislative agenda, click here.

Rob DiFrancesco is the director of the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (New York AREA), a diverse organization of more than 150 business, labor, and community groups including Entergy, the owner-operator of Indian Point. Founded in 2003, New York AREA’s mission is to ensure that New York has an ample and reliable electricity supply, and economic prosperity for years to come. For more information, visit www.area-alliance.org.