Queens Chamber announces “Queens is Green Initiative”

Initiative will strive to make Queens the greenest and most energy efficient borough and includes leading companies in solar, electric vehicles, and more

The Queens Chamber of Commerce, Queens’ oldest and largest business association, announced the launch of the “Queens is Green Initiative”. The initiative will feature industry leaders including Reliable Power Alternatives Corp. (RPAC), SUNation Solar Systems, Green Energy Technology (GET), Con Edison, and National Grid.

“I am very excited to help the Queens membership and the great borough of Queens to control energy costs and become more environmentally responsible. We have accomplished these tasks for some of the largest energy users in New York and growing up in Queens, I understand the challenges businesses face with high energy prices and the associated costs to become green,” Stuart A. Belloff, executive vice president of Reliable Power Alternatives Corp, said. “The Chamber has a great sustainable vision and great leadership with Tom Grech at the helm. I look forward to working with all stakeholders in an effort to make Queens greener and a better place to live.“

This new energy partnership will help Queens Chamber members conserve energy and save money. Under the initiative, RPAC will provide Queens Chamber members with expert advice on sustainability, energy procurement, Local Laws 84, 87, 97, 133, and available incentives around efficiencies.

“In New York City, we like to lead the way when it comes to innovative solutions to combat the reality of climate change,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. “Queens is setting the bar high! This new initiative will ensure residents have clean communities to live in and are saving money at the same time. This is proof that sustainable policies are good for New Yorkers, good for the economy, and good for our planet.”

As part of the Queens is Green Initiative, RPAC has created a low-cost carbon free electric pool for Queens Chamber members. The pool is a first of its kind that will aggregate the membership’s electric load in order to purchase lower cost energy with no long-term commitments. Members have the ability to opt-out with no penalties if they choose.

“Queens knows all too well the drastic impacts climate change has had on our borough and the importance of investing in the use of clean, renewable energy. By connecting our small businesses with green energy industry leaders, this initiative will help ensure Queens remains a leader in combating climate change while significantly cutting energy costs for our local entrepreneurs still recovering financially from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “We’re grateful to the Queens Chamber of Commerce and all our clean energy partners for bringing this critical initiative in support of our businesses and our borough to fruition.”

“I applaud the Queens Chamber of Commerce for paving the way to make Queens the greenest and most energy efficient borough in New York City,” said New York City Council Member James F. Gennaro, Chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection. “This initiative will not only save businesses money during these uncertain times – but will also help Queens Chamber members conserve energy. These types of programs play a crucial role in addressing the very real threat that is climate change. I look forward to working with the Chamber and its partners for a greener and more sustainable New York City!”

“An enhanced built environment benefits the quality of life for all Queens residents and the cost savings and efficiencies will be welcomed by hard-hit businesses,” said Jay Solly, Co-Chair of the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Energy and Environmental Committee. “The Chamber’s Energy & Environmental Committee looks forward to working with RPAC in the continued good work, as definitely, ‘Queens Is Green!’”

“SUNation Solar Systems is very excited to be working closely with the Queens Chamber and Community members on their Green Initiative,” said Scott Maskin, CEO of SUNation. “It is a forward thinking initiative and with the many incentives available, SUNation can help homeowners change their traditional energy to renewable energy very easily.”

“We at Green Energy Technology know the future is now and that Queens will be at the center of all the initiatives in New York City,” said John M. Comack, the founding member of Green Energy Technology. “Our vision for the future is in total alignment with the Queens Chamber and working with Energy & Environmental Committee and his team will make all of New York a better and cleaner City and State for EV Charging Stations and infrastructure for businesses to grow and prosper.”

“Reducing energy use is one of the key pillars of National Grid’s Net Zero commitment coupled with the efficient use of existing energy infrastructure and the strategic deployment of renewable technologies,” said Bryan Grimaldi, National Grid’s Vice President of New York Corporate Affairs. “We value our relationship with the Queens Chamber and doing our part to help the borough achieve its sustainability vision and continue to thrive.”

“Con Edison is proud to support the Queens Chamber and its members to advance incentives that will accelerate energy efficiency upgrades, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and implement new technologies to ensure a seamless transition to clean energy,” said Richard S. David, Director of Queens Regional Community Affairs. “We look forward to helping businesses across Queens and beyond to reduce their energy costs and stay up to code with local laws.”

“The Queens Chamber of Commerce is proud to convene this group of Chamber members and other industry leaders in an effort to help businesses not only save their hard earned dollars, but also make Queens the greenest county in the largest city in America,” said Thomas J. Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “By bringing together Chamber members Reliable Power Alternatives Co., SUNation Solar Systems, Green Energy Technology, National Grid and Con Edison, we will help our businesses become more energy efficient, and ensure Queens is leading the way in the fight against climate change.”

In addition to providing this valuable service that helps Chamber members conserve energy and save money, the Queens is Green initiative will also play a lead role in organizing a substantive team to respond to the request for public comment on the Climate Action Council Draft Scoping Plan to ensure Queens’ interests are represented in the final plan. The 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act represents one of the most ambitious climate laws in the world. The law created the Climate Action Council, which is tasked with developing a draft scoping plan that serves as an initial framework for how New York State will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions, increase renewable energy usage, and ensure climate justice. The 120 public comment period began on January 1.