Dutchess County residents will have an opportunity next week to weigh in on New York’s Draft State Energy Plan, a 15-year blueprint for meeting rising energy demand through 2040. The local public input session, hosted by Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-106) is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Dutchess Community College. Those wishing to testify may register at the door, with each speaker given up to two minutes.
“This is truly an opportunity to be part of New York’’s energy future by attending in person or testifying or sending in testimony,” Barrett said. “The fact that they’re doing these around the state and there’s one right here in Dutchess County is great to encourage people to be there. This is an opportunity to have your voice, to talk about priorities.”
Released in July by the State Energy Planning Board, the nearly 800-page draft covers building and transportation use, renewable energy, infrastructure, and efficiency. It calls for grid upgrades, expanded renewable projects, and continued reliance on a diverse mix of fuels. It also cites more controversial strategies, including advanced nuclear power, as part of the long-term outlook.
Barrett, who serves on the board as the Assembly Speaker’s appointee, said she is focused on cost: “I have been personally, as a member of the planning board, talking about affordability. And being the only person on the planning board who, you know, is an elected official — everybody else is a commissioner who’s appointed by the governor — I think it’s really critical that the consumer voices are heard.”
The plan, which is not binding, offers several hundred recommendations. “I’m not expecting anybody to sit down and read it,” Barrett said. “It covers everything… building and transportation and energy use and renewables and infrastructure and many different facets. But I think the affordability issue and the costs — we’re seeing this all over my district. Libraries are seeing their electric bills just soaring… families, seniors, working families. So I think weighing in on any of those topics is really important.”
Barrett said she hopes public input will influence the final plan. “To me, this is the most important part: for the public to just flag the parts that really matter to them.”
The draft situates itself within the state’s broader climate goals. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act requires 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030, though officials now project that target will not be met until 2033. That, Barrett said, “definitely includes more natural gas, I think, or suggests that there’s a need for more natural gas to be part of a plan.”
Hudson Valley residents will be able to voice their opinions on Tuesday. “I think it’s critical that we find the right balance,” Barrett said. “For some people, it’s going to be status quo, I don’t ever want anything to change. For other people, it’s going to be we’re on a precipice and we’ve got to change the way we heat our homes and drive our cars, and that has to happen. And then others are going to say, I see the importance… but I can’t afford to spend any more money on it.”
Public comments remain open through Oct. 6 and can be submitted at energyplan.ny.gov/Get-Involved/Comment. The final energy plan is expected by year’s end.