Saratoga Standard

A few weeks ago, the North Country experienced severe thunderstorms, leaving tens of thousands of New Yorkers in Warren, Washington, Essex, and Hamilton Counties without power. Local governments and National Grid worked to clear downed lines and trees, but some communities were without power for up to a week.

During a sweltering summer, many residents had no potable water, refrigeration to preserve food, or air conditioning. After one day under these circumstances, thousands faced severe difficulties and expressed outrage over the lack of service.

This situation has highlighted the need for a reliable and easy-to-maintain energy grid and infrastructure. It calls into question the governor and Democrat leaders’ Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

The CLCPA mandates that 70 percent of energy must be renewably sourced by 2030 with net-zero emissions by 2040. This includes electric-only power and an end to gas usage in houses and buildings.

If similar events occurred in winter, residents with gas stoves could still provide some heat to their homes. Under the CLCPA, they would lose that option.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's recent report revealed issues with the CLCPA. The report highlights outdated data and incorrect calculations by the state Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC failed to consider new data and laws like the requirement for all new construction below seven stories to be electric-only by 2027 and the rise in electric vehicle demand.

The comptroller’s office stated: “Auditors identified other factors that could delay achievement of the Climate Act goals, including increasingly severe weather, renewable electricity demands, a delayed Champlain Hudson Power Express line and potential limitations on the hydroelectric power it is expected to provide, and material availability and supply chain issues.”

Renewably sourced energy promoted by the PSC is not capable of meeting emergency challenges like those recently faced. Instead of advancing this green strategy which cannot meet consumer demands or be constructed cost-effectively within reasonable timeframes, there should be investment in modernizing current energy infrastructure.

Ensuring our existing grid can withstand severe weather events is crucial. A full audit and cost-benefit analysis of the CLCPA are necessary to reconcile its true costs. Investing in current energy systems provides a reliable backup to inconsistent renewable sources ensuring more affordable power for New Yorkers.

Reliability is paramount given weather volatility; another event like this could leave communities without access to heat or hot water again. Residents cannot rely on uncertain power generation methods during crises.

Therefore, it is vital to rethink and modify the CLCPA’s plans before proceeding further to avoid leaving residents out in the cold.