Suffolk County - Green Power Purchasing Policy

Summary

In April 2005, Suffolk County enacted two bills requiring the county government to purchase electricity generated by renewable-energy resources. The first bill directs the county to purchase 5% of its electricity through LIPA's Green Choice Program, provided that the total additional costs do not exceed $100,000 per year compared to the cost of conventional electricity. According to the county website, as of September 2010 the county had begun purchasing environmental attributes equivalent to 15% of total energy consumption. The incremental cost associated with this purchase is roughly $86,000.

The second bill requires the county government to buy at least 25% of its power -- for all county-run buildings and facilities -- from renewable sources by 2010 and includes a similar cap, limiting the excess spending to $500,000 per year compared to the cost of conventional energy. In August 2010 the county issued a request for bids to supply the county with renewable energy credits. An annual report must be filed on or before December 31 of each year, detailing the progress toward achieving the 25% goal.