Today, July 25th, 2023, Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01) announced that Shelter Island would be home to a new Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP). The ETIPP is a nationwide initiative from DOE to partner with remote and island communities building local energy systems that are sustainable, resilient, and reliable year-round.

“I am thrilled to see this important project and new jobs coming to Shelter Island and the East End. As our country continues to find ways to become energy independent, we must take on an all-of-the-above energy plan,” said LaLota. “These projects will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and boost the local economy. I will continue to fight to bring federal dollars and jobs back home to Suffolk County.”

Background:

These projects have been identified to help remote communities tailor the clean energy transition that makes the most sense for them. These communities will join twenty-three other projects that are already working toward clean energy solutions as a part of the ETIPP network.

These tribes, islands, and remote towns mark the third cohort of communities joining ETIPP, which launched in 2021 with 11 communities. In 2022, 12 additional communities were selected for ETIPP. Existing ETIPP communities are working on projects ranging from electrifying diesel fishing vessels to planning microgrids that will provide communities with power during storm outages.

ETIPP communities work with five regional partner organizations—academic institutions and nonprofit groups that have deep knowledge of local energy ecosystems, needs, challenges, and priorities. ETIPP’s regional partners include the Coastal Studies Institute, Island Institute, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, Renewable Energy Alaska Project, and Spark Northwest.

The communities also partner with researchers at national laboratories to find solutions tailored to local energy challenges. These ETIPP projects are funded by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Visit the ETIPP website to learn more about the program.