Op-Ed: Let Facts Drive Energy Policy for New York
Last week my colleagues and I participated in a series of public hearings concerning proposed enhancement to our Greenpoint Energy Center. The project involves the installation of two new vaporizer units that would allow us to extract liquified natural gas (LNG) from existing tanks within our facility more efficiently on the coldest days of the year, during peak hours when gas is most needed by customers. This is proven technology that we have operated safely for decades. The public meetings are part of yet another independent review of our plans for addressing forecasted gas supply gaps in the region. Our long-term supply plans have previously undergone review by regulators and independent consultants, each finding that the supply gap is very real and that our approach is reasonable and necessary to avoid future restrictions on essential energy services. Over the four sessions, we heard from members of the community and advocates who expressed strong support for renewable alternatives and understandable concern for their rising energy bills. We also heard a lot of misinformation about National Grid and our motives for pursuing this project.