05/21/2016
Sullivan County loves hydro ... !
---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: Press Release - Sullivan County Authorizes Agreement for Purchase
of Hydro Electricity
From: "Huck, Michelle L."
Date: Thu, May 19, 2016 2:09 pm
To:
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For Immediate Release
Michelle Huck, Executive Assistant
Sullivan County Manager's Office
100 North Street, P.O. Box 5012
Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0450
Fax: (845) 807-0460
JOSHUA POTOSEK, MBA
TEL: 845-807-0450
COUNTY MANAGER
FAX:
845-807-0460
SULLIVAN COUNTY MANAGER’S OFFICE
SULLIVAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
100 NORTH STREET, P.O. BOX 5012
MONTICELLO, NY 12701-5192
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2016
Sullivan County Authorizes Agreement for Purchase of Hydro Electricity
Monticello –Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek is pleased to announce
the authorization of a remote net metering agreement with Gravity
Renewables that will provide Sullivan County with the ability to purchase
a substantial portion of its electricity supply directly from a
hydroelectric plant in upstate New York.
The hydroelectric plant will generate approximately 4,000,000 kWh of
clean, renewable electricity per year, which is equivalent to nearly 45%
of the County’s total annual electric needs. The County will reap the
benefits of stabilized and reduced energy costs, with significant savings
during the 20 year term of the agreement.
“This project represents a true win-win situation for County residents,”
said Potosek. “Having the ability to reaffirm the County’s commitment to
a sustainable future while also reducing our day to day operating costs is
an outcome that we can all enjoy. I applaud the Sullivan County
Legislature for taking action on this exciting initiative.”
Luiz A. Alvarez, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature, said, “This
is a remarkable and unique opportunity that has presented itself to our
County and its residents. When people visit Sullivan County the first
thing they note is its stunning natural beauty and clean environment. I
am pleased to be able to support a project that works toward a future that
protects those attributes while reducing and stabilizing costs to the
taxpayer.”
Catherine Owens, Chairwoman of the Agriculture and Sustainability Policy
Committee, said, “We are very happy to announce the contract between
Gravity Renewables and Sullivan County for Hydro-electric energy using
remote net metering. The contract has been reviewed by MEGA and by our
attorneys, and it promises to further our goal of substantially reducing
our energy footprint along with our cost. We only adopted our Climate
Action Plan in 2014 and have already exceeded several of our goals.“
“Sullivan County is moving towards the clean energy future and utilizing
one of upstate New York’s great natural resources,” said Ted Rose, CEO of
Gravity Renewables. “New York is rich in sustainable small and micro hydro
facilities, many of which are historic, but in need of repairs. Long-term
agreements like this help preserve these historic resources by encouraging
re-investment.”
The County will have the option of extending the agreement for an
additional five years at the end of the initial 20 year term. Potosek
said, “The County will continue to explore options to reduce its energy
usage, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and ultimately reduce costs to
its residents.”
About Gravity Renewables
Gravity Renewables is a leading national owner, operator and developer of
small hydroelectric power plants. Small hydropower provides predictable,
reliable, affordable clean energy that’s locally produced. By making a
long-term commitment to these neighborhood facilities, Gravity restores
and conserves important historical sites, employs local operators and
promotes educational and recreational opportunities in the communities it
serves. Gravity currently has more than 34 MW of hydroelectric projects
operating and under development across the country. For more information
please visit www.gravityrenewables.com or contact us at 303.440.3378.
Follow Gravity Renewables on Twitter or Facebook.
Gravity Renewables is an investor-backed owner, operator, and developer of small hydroelectric power projects in the United States.
