August 2, 2005

Abrahams urges residents to use Green Power

Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) recently joined with fellow legislators to sign onto Long Island Power Authority’s Green Choice Program, a voluntary program that supports cleaner, greener power in New York State. Legislator Abrahams was joined by LIPA Chairman Richard Kessel and many fellow majority legislators as they symbolically signed a replica of the LIPA card that is enclosed each month with each customer’s bill. The card serves an agreement between LIPA customers and the power authority to purchase Green Power, such as wind, hydro or bio energy, in place of power generated by fossil fuel. The legislators all signed the actual agreement card enclosed with their LIPA bills. Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) was first to encourage his colleagues to sign onto the voluntary program.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our residents to take an active role in preserving our environment,” said Legislator Abrahams. “I encourage everyone to sign up for this worthwhile volunteer program.”

Green Power costs more than electricity generated by fossil fuels, but costs are dropping as more people support Green Power. The difference in cost is about $15 more a month.

“LIPA is very pleased by the enthusiastic and personal response from Nassau County Legislators to our Green Choice Program,” said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. “This is another example of progressive and proactive thinking on the part of Long Island’s public officials that will help protect our environment and ease our dependence on fossil fuels.”

"Community Energy congratulates Nassau County legislators for their leadership. By signing onto cleaner choices of energy, county leaders pave the way for more renewables in NYS,” said Keith Christensen

Green power is electricity that is generated using cleaner, renewable resources like wind, hydropower and bio-energy. Those LIPA customers who sign onto the voluntary program can choose from a variety of renewable sources. LIPA works with New York State Public Service Commission to ensure that generation of renewable resources, supported by a customer’s participation in LIPA Green Choice, is located within New York State. For more information on LIPA’s Green Choice Program please contact:

www.sterlingplanet.com, 1-800474-1362; www.envirogen.net, 1-716-631-1517; www.newwindenergy.com, 1-866-WIND