LIPA Chairman Kessel Receives Renewable Energy Award Uniondale, NY - April 21, 2006 - Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Chairman Richard M. Kessel was presented with the "Renewable Energy Champion" award today at the Fifth Annual Solar Energy Conference held at SUNY Farmingdale. Dr. Jonathan Gibralter, president of Farmingdale State University of New York, said "It's hard to imagine anyone on Long Island who has worked more energetically for renewable energy. Presenting the Renewable Energy Champion Award to Richie Kessel makes complete sense." Mr. Kessel's commitment to Clean Energy is evident through the accomplishments of LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative. The CEI, fostered by Governor George Pataki, is a 10-year, $355-million commitment to promote clean, renewable electric generation technologies and energy conservation and efficiency. "While I appreciate receiving this award today, the real champions are the 638 solar pioneers, who have taken advantage of the technology and incentives available to them," said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. "These champions have chosen to make a difference and take control of their energy consumption. "LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) enthusiastically encourages the widespread application of solar and other renewable energy resources," said Mr. Kessel. "The combination of incentives offered through LIPA's Solar Pioneer Program, New York State's Solar Tax Credit, the forgiveness of local sales taxes by both Counties, and the Net Metering Law makes the installation of photovoltaic systems on Long Island a viable alternative. With oil and gas prices going through the roof, solar is a viable alternative." Each year, the Solar Conference brings together stakeholders to learn about the benefits of using solar energy on Long Island and the latest technology, including hybrids; see new and aesthetically pleasing design elements and forms; understand new financing and tax incentive opportunities. Attendees also learn how to lower electric bills and decrease dependence on fossil fuels. As of March 31, 2006 LIPA has rebated over $17.2 million for the installation of approximately 3,476 kW of solar panels (601 residential; 37 commercial). In addition, Long Island is home to the largest privately owned commercial photovoltaic (PV) system in the United States (1,010kW of solar panels).Located on top of three buildings in Farmingdale, the commercial pv system is owned by IWOC, the solar panels cover a combined roof surface of about 102,700 square feet and produce over one million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. IWOC is using the electricity to run a vast array of state-of-the-art computers and processing equipment needed for its direct mail business. When factoring in the 1.01 MW Photovoltaic demonstration at the IWOC facility in Farmingdale, there are now 4,217 (4,4867) kW of solar panels installed by customers through LIPA's Solar Pioneer Program. As part of LIPA's desire to continuously educate its customers on how to break their dependence on fossil fuels, LIPA offers free solar seminars which are held throughout the year in local libraries and on college campuses. Since LIPA began these informational seminars in 2001, more than 3,500 Long Islanders have attended. Check www.lipower.org for upcoming seminars. Additionally, many of LIPA's Solar Pioneers open up their homes each year to other homeowners who are interested in the benefits of solar power. Conducted as part of the National Solar Tour, prospective homeowners see what a pv system looks like up close and learn fist hand how the systems are installed and how they operate. Last year, over 1,000 visits took place. The next Solar Tour is scheduled for October 7, 2006. LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric system, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System (T&D) on Long Island and provides electric service to over 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. In terms of customers served, LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation and the 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island electric generating assets. ### LIPA Contact Information: News Center Solar Pioneers Press Release 4/21/06 10:52 AM Eastern |
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