Opinion: Which plan did YOUR municipality choose?

Dear Editor,

Last week, 27 New York municipal boards were asked to make a critical decision on a tight timeline with no public input. They could choose either one of two default electricity supply plans with negligible price difference on behalf of their residents and small businesses: PLAN ONE that sources its electricity from 100 percent renewable energy and sends 0 percent greenhouse gases into the atmosphere OR PLAN TWO that sources its electricity from 86 percent fossil fuel-nuclear / 14 percent renewable energy and sends 115 percent of New York State’s average air greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

Which plan did YOUR municipality choose? PLAN ONE that clears the air and water, protecting our health and well being? Or PLAN TWO that’s even dirtier than NYSEG’s default electricity supply plan? 

Among those choosing PLAN ONE were the Villages of Owego, Elmira Heights, Horseheads, and the Town of Union. Selecting PLAN TWO were the Villages of Newark Valley and Spencer, the Towns of Owego, Dickinson, Horseheads, and the City of Elmira.

An important thing to know is that the default choice is a community’s big vote for health and well-being. Why? Because about 80 percent of people accept the default. If your town, village, or city chose PLAN TWO as the default, it’s important to remember that in June, when you receive a letter from your municipality, changing your electricity supplier, you can ‘opt up’ to the renewable plan.

Sincerely,

Gerri Wiley

Owego, N.Y.