New York’s Rush to Meet Clean Energy Goals Jeopardizes Power Reliability by John Ravitz

Regarding “New York’s fossil fuel use soared after Indian Point plant closure. Officials sound the alarm,” July 22:

I read with interest your recent story that included New York officials’ concerns about the future reliability of our electricity grid.

The Business Council of Westchester has repeatedly warned that New York’s renewable energy infrastructure is significantly behind schedule. In a rapid push to lower New York’s carbon emissions, elected officials are creating a power deficit that may bring us blackouts, economic losses, and even deaths.

New York hopes to close all fossil fuel generating plants by 2040 in favor of renewable generation coupled with large-scale battery storage facilities. It is a fantasy. Not only will there not be enough renewable generation to offset the existing fossil fuel electric load, but there will be insufficient excess energy to charge the storage batteries.

Local communities are part of our problem. For example, something as critical as installing a power cable to bring hydropower from Quebec to Queens was stalled in litigation. The negative mindset is no different upstate. Nearly every county along the Great Lakes opposed Project GLOW (Great Lakes Offshore Wind).

Communities must stop blocking solar and battery-storage farm applications. We must also continue using nuclear power and natural gas during our power transition until the renewable sources are ready. To attract and keep businesses in New York, it is essential that we do everything possible to keep electric bills reasonable.

A sustainable and reliable energy landscape is possible for Westchester County and New York, but we must create it responsibly.

John Ravitz is executive vice president of the Business Council of Westchester.