As New Yorkers continue grappling with higher electric bills, a Finger Lakes-based nonprofit is hosting a webinar aimed at helping residents better understand what’s driving those costs and what the future of the state’s power grid may look like.
Sustainable Finger Lakes will host a virtual panel discussion titled “Future Proofing the New York Grid” on June 17 at noon. The event is part of the organization’s Finger Lakes Forecast webinar series and will feature experts discussing grid reliability, energy costs, and consumer advocacy.
According to organizers, the webinar will examine several factors contributing to rising electricity costs, including aging infrastructure, extreme weather, inflation, equipment shortages, natural gas price volatility, utility business models, and growing demand from energy-intensive technologies such as artificial intelligence data centers.
The discussion will feature Kevin Lanahan, senior vice president for external affairs and corporate communications at the New York Independent System Operator, who will provide an overview of how the state’s electric grid operates and the challenges affecting reliability and pricing. Laurie Wheelock, executive director and general counsel of the Public Utility Law Project, will discuss efforts to protect consumers from increasing electric delivery rates and explain how ratepayers can advocate for themselves.
Organizers say local officials, planning board members, and residents interested in energy policy are encouraged to attend. Sustainable Finger Lakes Executive Director Gay Nicholson said public understanding of the issues facing the electric grid is essential if residents hope to effectively engage policymakers and evaluate proposed solutions.
The Finger Lakes Forecast series, launched in 2022, brings together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss environmental challenges facing the region and strategies for improving resilience and preparedness. Sustainable Finger Lakes plans to resume the webinar series in the fall following the June 17 event.
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