Long Island’s Economic Growth Depends on Reliable Energy, Say Fonti and Camarano

Fonti and Camarano: Long Island Economy Needs Reliable Energy for Growth

By Bob Fonti and Frank Camarano Jr.

A slowdown signals the need for action

Private sector jobs on Long Island barely budged in June—just 0.4% growth, a sluggish pace for a region with so much potential. But while the numbers are sobering, they also serve as a wake-up call. Long Island has always had the ingredients for economic success: a skilled workforce, world-class universities, and a diverse business landscape.

The missing piece today? Reliable, affordable, and plentiful energy.

An outdated grid, a risky future

Our economy cannot grow without power—literally. Long Island’s grid is outdated and increasingly strained. This summer, New York’s independent electric system operator issued three separate energy watches in just over a month, warning that reliability margins were dangerously low.

That means more outage risks, more uncertainty for businesses, and less confidence for companies looking to expand or relocate here. Without new energy sources coming online fast enough, Long Island risks stalling just as we’re trying to regain momentum.

Why we need an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy

The state’s clean energy transition is critical, but it’s also moving slower than originally planned. Offshore wind and solar remain important, but they won’t be enough on their own. Long Island must embrace a diverse energy mix:

• Renewables like offshore wind and solar

• Next-generation nuclear technology

• Natural gas, which has long been the backbone of downstate’s power system

Unlike upstate regions with abundant hydropower, Long Island is more dependent on natural gas. Without it, our supply-demand gap will grow, especially with new housing, electric vehicles, and smart appliances adding pressure to the system.

Powering jobs, housing, and technology

Energy is the foundation of growth. Data centers, advanced manufacturing, IT services, and the tech sector anchored at Stony Brook’s High Technology Incubator all depend on reliable electricity. A proposed Yaphank data center alone would consume half the capacity of the Caithness power plant—a stark reminder of just how much power our future economy will demand.

And it’s not just jobs. Affordable housing—a major barrier to attracting workers and companies—requires a modernized grid too. Without upgrades, the homes of tomorrow won’t be able to support EV chargers, heat pumps, and smart appliances without straining the system.

A call for practical solutions

Energy policy on Long Island should not be about rigid ideology or zero-sum arguments. We need practical solutions:

• Building pipelines where necessary

• Supporting next-generation nuclear

• Expanding renewables at scale

• Investing in grid modernization

The Nassau and Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers stands committed to securing a reliable energy future. Because without it, Long Island risks stalling: fewer homes, fewer jobs, and fewer reasons for workers to plant their roots here.

The choice is simple—power up for growth, or get stuck in neutral.

FAQs About Long Island’s Energy and Economy

Why is energy reliability so critical for Long Island’s economy?
Businesses, housing, and emerging industries all depend on consistent electricity. Without it, job growth, new housing development, and technology investments could stall.

Is renewable energy alone enough to meet Long Island’s power needs?
Not in the near term. While offshore wind and solar are vital, Long Island also needs natural gas and nuclear power to ensure a balanced and reliable energy mix.

How does energy impact affordable housing on Long Island?
Affordable housing developments require modern infrastructure. Without grid upgrades, new homes can’t efficiently support electric vehicles, smart appliances, or sustainable heating and cooling.

What role could data centers play in Long Island’s growth?
Data centers are a major economic opportunity, but they consume massive amounts of power. Reliable energy infrastructure is essential to attract and sustain these high-tech projects.

What can Long Islanders do to support a stronger energy future?
Advocating for practical, balanced energy policies—including renewable expansion, nuclear investment, and responsible natural gas infrastructure—will help secure jobs and economic growth.