The Suffolk County Energy and Climate Action Office identifies opportunities for improved energy policies for the County and coordinates with the Department of Public Works to execute and implement those policies. Suffolk County has an Energy Initiatives Working Group composed of six stakeholders from various departments that utilize all tools and programs available to further the goal of developing renewable energy and making County buildings and fleet more energy efficient.
The overarching goal is to reduce energy use and energy costs to the County, while achieving lower carbon emissions from County operations. It is these smart government investments that lead to a cleaner environment and increase overall quality of life for County residents, support of the growing green energy sector of the local economy, all while reducing energy costs to the taxpayers.
Offshore Wind is Storming to Suffolk County
"Suffolk County is proud to be the epicenter of offshore wind."
- Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
New York State is moving ever closer to meeting its offshore wind power goal of 9,000 MW by 2035. Suffolk County, and other local and regional businesses, have an exciting opportunity to play a huge part in this booming industry. The resources here can help supply chain businesses and those looking to work in this thriving sector to be successful.
Click image to view flyer.
"Suffolk County is fully committed to undertaking the research and development necessary to transform an aging infrastructure into a clean energy economy that will serve as a national model."
- Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
Community Choice Aggregation Task Force
Final Report 2020
Community Choice Aggregation, or CCA, is an energy procurement strategy allowing local communities to choose their source of energy, including renewable and lower cost options. Here is more information including the CCA Task Force Final Report and Suffolk County municipalities that are working to create CCA’s.
Links to Town programs in Suffolk County:
https://www.brookhavenny.gov/1114/Community-Choice-Aggregation-CCA
http://www.ehamptonny.gov/667/Community-Choice-Aggregation-CCA#:~:text=The%20Town%20of%20East%20Hampton,remain%20with%20the%20current%20utility
http://www.southamptontownny.gov/1406/Community-Choice-Aggregation-CCA
New York State information:
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities/How-It-Works/Toolkits/Community-Choice-Aggregation
Fact Sheet [PDF]
This fact sheet provides a brief description of the Community Choice Aggregation action along with the benefits communities can expect to achieve.
CCA Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]
This document provides answers to commonly asked questions pertaining to CCA in New York State.
Resources and Programs
Suffolk County’s local businesses and not-for-profits can participate in Commercial PACE program.
Undertaking a clean energy project can reduce a building’s energy bill, improve its operations, reduce its carbon footprint, and increase property value. EIC NY (PACE) Finance offers low cost, long-term capital for energy-related building improvements that is secured through a benefit assessment lien on the improved property.
Community Inventory
This Executive Summary offers a quick and interesting format to provide a snapshot of the sources of emissions from community activities.
Government Operations
Read the report. It tracks key aspects of the County’s emissions.
Detailing the County Commitment
This Climate Action Plan (CAP) is the result of a two-year process. It was prepared in accordance with the commitment made by the Suffolk County Legislature when it adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge on November 20, 2012 through Resolution No. 960-2012, “Adopting Climate Smart Community Goals in the County of Suffolk
Benchmarking
Read the current year’s report. Suffolk County is leading by example and has a robust, ongoing energy efficiency program. This NYSERDA report shows building energy use metrics.
Cleaner, Greener Long Island Regional Sustainability Plan
An ambitious undertaking by the Cleaner, Greener Consortium of Long Island to articulate a community-based vision for a more sustainable future.