Mandating solar power will generate jobs

NEW YORK STATE - A bill before the New York State legislature that would require energy providers to invest in solar power would create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity over a 14-year period, advocates said.

The bill would require the New York Power Authority, the Long Island Power Authority and New York retail electric suppliers to procure solar electricity each year, equal to a percentage of their sales through 2025.

A study by the Vote Solar Initiative argues the development of enough solar energy to power about one million homes by 2025 would result in 22,198 direct and indirect jobs and $20 billion dollars of revenue, including salaries and other items.

The study used the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory's "Jobs and Economic Development Impact" models, said Vote Solar, which released the data along with the Natural Resources Defense Council.

"By supporting the development of enough solar to power about one million homes by 2025, this legislation would drive significant economic opportunity in the state while adding less than the price of one postage stamp to New Yorkers' monthly energy bills," Vote Solar said in a statement.

But the numbers were met with some skepticism by some in the business community.

"I don't know that they have accurately estimated what its cost is going to be," said Ken Pokalsky, senior director of government affairs at the Business Council of New York.

"We're not convinced that mandating the purchase of above market cost technology is an economic stimulus for the state," he said.

Interest in renewable energy, including solar, has grown in recent years as the United States has looked for alternatives to high-carbon sources like oil and coal.

In New York, a state review of high-volume natural gas drilling that could pave the way for a natural gas boom in the state is expected later this year.