Shelter Island Explores Renewable Energy Options with ETIPP Partnership

Shelter Island Explores Renewable Energy Solutions Amidst Challenges

As Shelter Island navigates its path towards sustainable energy, the town is actively considering a range of initiatives aimed at reducing both energy costs and emissions. During a recent Town Board work session, Green Energy Options Chairman, Tim Purtell, shed light on potential projects under the Energy Transition Partnership Program (ETIPP), although he cautioned that not all suggestions are guaranteed to materialize immediately.

ETIPP, overseen by the Department of Energy, offers tailored support to coastal and island communities, helping them transition to more resilient and cost-effective energy systems. By addressing unique geographic and logistical hurdles, the program aims to fulfill the specific energy needs of each community. The collaboration with ETIPP began in 2023, with a team visiting key locations on Shelter Island, including municipal buildings, schools, and ferry facilities, to assess local energy demands.

Currently, about 90% of Shelter Island’s homes rely on fossil fuels for heating, while solar energy accounts for only 5% of its energy needs. The ETIPP team suggests there are both financial and technological incentives for increasing solar energy use. The challenge of preparing for prolonged power outages, as highlighted by Police Chief Jim Read, further underscores the need for reliable energy solutions.

In the preliminary ETIPP report, several sites were proposed for potential solar panel and battery storage installations, including Sylvester Manor and the Center Firehouse. However, the focus has since narrowed to the Recycling Center, the school, and residential areas. These locations could offer substantial cost savings over a 10-year period, though factors such as roof space, battery capacity, and power demand during outages need careful consideration.

Geothermal energy is another alternative under review, despite a longstanding ban on Shelter Island due to concerns about its impact on the aquifer. Modern geothermal systems, which are horizontal and sealed, present a viable option that warrants further evaluation. Councilman Benjamin Dyett pointed out that these systems could be installed at relatively shallow depths, minimizing disruption.

While tidal energy is not currently being pursued due to potential disruptions to South Ferry operations, the town has time to conduct energy audits and develop a focused project proposal by June 2026. Such a proposal is essential to secure subsidies for implementing renewable energy solutions, according to Christina Herman, a member of the Island’s ETIPP group.

However, concerns remain, particularly regarding the safety of solar panels in firefighting scenarios and potential issues with home insurance for rooftops with solar installations. These matters will be examined further before the Town Board decides on the initiatives to prioritize.

For more detailed information, including charts and a video of the Town Board meeting, visit the Town Website. A YouTube video of the December 16 session can also be accessed here.