Governor Paterson and Local Stakeholders Break Ground on "Power Lots" Project

ALBANY, NY (12/02/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson was today joined by local stakeholders and representatives of enXco and Mercury Solar Systems in announcing the beginning construction phase of the Suffolk Solar Carport Project which is expected to deliver up to 17 megawatts, enough to power nearly 1,800 homes with clean renewable energy for LIPA customers. This is the largest solar project in the history of New York State.

"Today's announcement is another step that our State has taken towards energy independence and economic security," Governor Paterson said. "By utilizing existing structures we are able to keep costs down and maximize our limited funds for these clean energy initiatives. This project will create jobs and reshape our economy for future generations, and will further our goals of making the State more energy efficient and affordable for everyday New Yorkers."

The groundbreaking, which took place in Brentwood, Suffolk County, is one of seven parking sites leased to enXco by Suffolk County where the company will construct carports with solar panels on the rooftops. The solar power generated from the carports will be delivered directly to LIPA's electric grid through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement. The project will also serve as a unique educational tool for users of the carports to get a first-hand look at how clean renewable energy is generated.

LIPA Chief Operating Officer Michael Hervey said: "I commend Governor Paterson and all of our partners in making Long Island a leader in solar energy. This project is a prime example of how partnerships created between private, public and coordination between governmental entities can result in remarkable economical and environmental benefits for Long Island. Today's groundbreaking demonstrates a unified commitment to Long Island and LIPA's customers to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency, to diversify our energy portfolio, to reduce our use and dependence on fossil fuels, to stimulate the local economy, to create clean energy jobs, and to help build the Long Island solar industry."

The State, through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), awarded LIPA $6.7 million in Federal stimulus funding which will allow LIPA to connect the solar panels installed on the carports to the Long Island electric grid. The project will consist of over 60,000 solar modules reducing carbon emissions by more than 14,300 tons annually, which is equivalent to removing 2,447 cars from the roads each year. In addition, there are substantial economic benefits to Long Island, including:

• $8.5-$9 million in Suffolk County lease revenue;

• $10 million in local material procurement;

• $1.2 million for local school districts and towns; and

• The creation of 150-200 jobs during the construction phase of the project

The county lots are located at: the H. Lee Dennison Building and the North County Complex in Hauppauge, the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip and the Riverhead County Center, as well as county-owned parking lots at the Long Island Railroad stations in Brentwood, Ronkonkoma and Deer Park. As the project areas are located on existing parking lots there will be no disruption to the local environment and no reduction in the number of available parking spaces at any of the locations. Additionally, the design will allow for snow plowing and regular maintenance.

In December 2009, the LIPA Board of Trustees approved power purchase agreements with BP Solar International Inc. and enXco Development Corporation, thereby creating the State's largest source of solar power on Long Island by introducing approximately 50MW of clean renewable energy generated on Long Island onto LIPA's electric grid. The 50 MW is enough to power 6,500 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 45,300 tons per year as well as reducing other environmental pollutants.

David Kirkpatrick, Vice President of Solar Development for enXco, said: "We are pleased to launch the construction phase of these valuable projects. These project sites represent the largest distributed utility scale solar project for enXco and our first in New York. We applaud the efforts and commitment of LIPA and Suffolk County to bring this vital renewable energy project to their service area and look forward to a successful future."

Frank Alfano, CEO of Mercury Solar Systems, said: "Our team is thrilled to bring these unique solar carports to Long Island, the largest project of its kind in all of the U.S."

LIPA's 50 MW clean renewable energy project first stemmed from then-Lieutenant Governor Paterson's Renewable Energy Task Force report in 2008 and furthers the Governor's 45-by-15 initiative which established a goal for the State to meet 45 percent of its electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and renewable sources by the year 2015.

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The following statements were provided in support of the groundbreaking for the Suffolk Solar Carport Project:

Congressman Steve Israel said: "The solar 'power lots' project will take something Long Island has many of - parking lots - and turn them into something Long Island needs more of - clean energy generators. This innovative project is another step toward ending our dependence on foreign oil and transitioning to job-creating clean energy technologies. I'm proud to have worked with LIPA to secure federal funding to support the 50 megawatt project."

NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray said: "Under Governor Paterson's leadership, New York State has been maximizing the value of stimulus dollars by investing in projects that create good-paying jobs, protect the environment and tackle the crisis of global climate change. We are pleased to be a part of this historic public-private partnership and applaud the leadership of Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Long Island's Congressional delegation for its commitment in helping to build the clean energy economy right here in Brentwood."

Assemblyman Phil Ramos said: "This type of forward-thinking initiative benefits us in so many ways and continues our ongoing efforts to revitalize Brentwood. From creating much-needed jobs to providing a sensible way to generate clean energy, this project exemplifies how public, private partnerships can help our local economy and address the needs of our communities."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said: "I am proud to have Suffolk be the first municipality to lease its property for this public-private partnership that will generate clean renewable energy and taxpayer savings. This project will put hundreds of Long Islanders back to work and generate clean and renewable solar energy for consumers. Large parking areas provide an ideal location for solar panels, which in turn provide a convenient shelter from hot sun or inclement weather for drivers. It's a win-win for everybody."

Suffolk County Legislator Ricardo Montano said: "I am pleased that Brentwood and Central Islip will be a key sites for the generation of clean and renewable energy on Long Island. This initiative will create numerous jobs and move our region into the 21st century by working with green technologies that reduce our reliance on the combustion of fossil fuels."

Islip Councilman Steven Flotteron said: "This is a great project and partnership as well as a wonderful opportunity for commuters that park at the Brentwood Long Island Rail Road Station."

Kevin S. Law, former President and CEO of LIPA, said: "Long Island is becoming the solar capital of the region. The continued commitment and investment in renewable energy will stimulate the local economy, create shovel-ready jobs, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels."

Julia Hamm, President and CEO of SEPA, said: "The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) congratulates the Long Island Power Authority and enXco on the groundbreaking of their Eastern Long Island project. This partnership between LIPA and enXco demonstrates exactly the kind of collaboration between utilities and solar companies that will spur future expansion of solar power.

Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York said: "With today's groundbreaking, LIPA introduces yet another innovative solar energy project to its impressive portfolio of renewables. LIPA's approach of utilizing existing resources to generate renewable power and create green collar jobs shows just how effectively New York can tap into the clean energy economy. We look forward to seeing others follow LIPA's model and implement similar solar projects throughout the State."

Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island, said: "Solar power has a bright future here: there are already more than 3,000 solar roofs on Long Island but these new solar parking lots will be powerful billboards reminding everyone that we can generate electricity without polluting our environment or importing fossil fuels. We applaud LIPA, Suffolk County, the Long Island Rail Road, enXco and Mercury Solar for bringing clean energy to public parking on Long Island."

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said: "Clean, emission-free solar energy is no longer restricted to rooftops and buildings-it will now be integrated into our social fabric and everyone's energy mix. Car ports present an ideal opportunity to expand this growing renewable resource. This innovative project turns standard parking lots into inventive and productive solar farms. It's an exciting step forward for our island and for solar power!"

Sarah Lansdale, Executive Director of Sustainable Long Island, said: "This enXco groundbreaking today is the first major step in providing power to close to 2,000 homes across Eastern Long Island. Not only does this project promote renewable energy, but it also creates green jobs while helping to boost the local economy."

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Governor Paterson and Local Stakeholders Break Ground on "Power Lots" Project

New York State Office of the Governor

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