Did LIPA adequately assess alternative to the Caithness Energy Plants location?
In May 2003 LIPA issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking proposals for additional sources of power supply. This RFP was issued despite the fact that two power plants proposed by a Key Span/ANP Joint Venture had received virtually all required permits and approvals and were found to have no significant adverse environmental impacts. All that was lacking was a Purchase Power Agreement (PPA) from LIPA. LIPA did not choose the KeySpan Plant because they said it was too expensive. In June 2004 LIPA approved its Final Energy Plan identifying Caithness as one of the projects to meet Long Island ‘s energy needs. LIPA selected the Caithness Plant before any SEQRA review of the project. LIPA has not disclosed the total cost of the Caithness Plant. To date, only two costs are currently known — $65 million for the pipeline and $150 million for the community benefit package.
