Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. today announced that he has introduced legislation to facilitate the development of Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs in the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) service territory. The same-as legislation will be sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky.

In 2016, the Public Service Commission (PSC) authorized CCA programs in New York State. However, the initial order by the PSC authorizing the CCA program did not fully account for the complexities of LIPA’s service territory and rate structure. While the Commission is now in the process of exploring how this program could work for Long Islanders, there are still concerns around the current proposal, specifically LIPA’s rule changes, which are causing delay around the process.

CCA programs are important to our energy sector since they empower local communities to have a say in their source of energy and their energy mix. CCA programs accomplish this by allowing local municipalities and their residents to pool their resources together to purchase electricity from an alternative provider, allowing for easier access to green – and often cheaper – energy options. On Long Island, the Towns of Southampton, East Hampton, Brookhaven, and Hempstead have led the way by passing the local law necessary to authorize a CCA program within their municipalities.

Assemblyman Thiele stated, “Long Islanders deserve to have the same access to greener and more affordable energy as other ratepayers across the state. Several localities on Long Island have expressed an interest in participating in CCA programs, with three of our local East End towns already passing the necessary legislation to do so. These municipalities should be allowed to proceed. I am proud to sponsor this important legislation to bring Long Island in line with the rest of the state and look forward to working with Senator Kaminsky toward its advancement.”

Senator Kaminsky stated, “Long Islanders want to use green, renewable energy to power their homes — and they want to do it at an affordable price. Passing legislation to mandate Community Choice Aggregation ("CCA") programs on the Island will ensure that homeowners have options for sustainable energy sources, and I am proud to work with Assemblyman Thiele on this legislation.”

East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said, “Community Choice Aggregation promises to be a significant avenue to help further our renewable energy goals. Allowing municipalities to select green energy will not only reduce a town’s carbon footprint but will help to support the development of renewable energy alternatives.I support this legislation that will help to pave the way to make CCA a viable option.”

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “Brookhaven has been a leader in promoting more affordable, green energy alternatives for our residents and I am in support of Assemblyman Thiele’s legislation. Residents are faced with increasing energy costs that are driving many off the island, so a change is needed to help keep them here. There are many cost-cutting, green energy programs that need to be implemented and this legislation will keep Long Island on the right track to get the job done.”

Southampton Town Councilman John Bouvier said, “The Township of Southampton has initiated a very ambitious set of energy goals, including achieving energy independence and carbon net neutrality within this decade. As the first municipality on Long Island to have enacted enabling legislation for CCA, we see this as an important tool in achieving those goals, while offering lower energy costs and access to alternative energy sources for our residents.”