Westchester Energy Forum (Patch.com)

New York AREA Director Richard Thomas contributed the following blog post to Patch.com, “Westchester Energy Forum.” Read the excerpt below and click the link to see the complete post.

Last Thursday, I participated in an eye-opening and educational event on energy in Westchester County.  The New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (New York AREA) co-hosted Westchester County Association’s “Meeting Demand” energy forum.

Highlights included opening remarks from WCA BLUEPRINT for Westchester director Marissa Brett, who disclosed that state and local government taxes make up more than 25 percent of business and residential bills. These taxes add to the total cost we pay to power our homes and business. Ms. Brett pointed out that although the money pays for many important government services, it has a negative impact on ratepayers, as high electricity costs inhibit both economic growth and job creation.

Much of the forum’s focus was on energy’s impact on the economy, and specifically the role energy plays in determining whether businesses and industries can survive and expand in the Hudson Valley.  During the panel discussion, New York AREA Chairman Jerry Kremer told the audience, “The business community has one concern: When I flip the switch ten years from now, will the lights come on?” 

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