February 15, 2011
New York

What if the two North Fork towns came off the LIPA grid?

By Julie Lane, North Shore Sun, northshoresun.timesreview.com 15 February 2011

Could Southold and Riverhead towns come off the Long Island Power Authority grid and save residents money while making more electricity available to the rest of the island, where most consumers rely on LIPA?

It’s an idea Greenport Mayor David Nyce, a longtime proponent of green energy, is pushing. He sees wind turbines, which could be built in Greenport, giving the whole North Fork energy independence.

The concept drew applause from state Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) at last Thursday’s annual environmental roundtable in Selden, an event he holds every year with elected and appointed officials, environmentalists, community members, sportsmen and others.

“I’ve always thought outside of the box and I appreciate people who are creative and think out of the box,” the senator said in praise of Mr. Nyce’s suggestion, which he pitched at the event.

Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter, who did not attend, was skeptical. “I don’t think the technology is anywhere near doing anything like that,” he commented Tuesday.

Mr. Nyce has had discussions with Southold Supervisor Scott Russell, who says he has been eager to explore alternative and renewable energy sources.

“The village is in a good position because it owns its own distribution system,” Mr. Russell commented this week. “We’re certainly working together” to explore all options, he said.

Editor’s Note: Read more in Thursday’s Suffolk Times.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/15/what-if-the-two-north-fork-towns-came-off-the-lipa-grid/