LS Power Rebrands Long Island City’s “Big Allis”/”Ravenswood” Generating Station as “Rise Light & Power” and Underscores Commitment to Lead NY’s Transition to Clean Energy
New brand reflects the company’s commitment to leading New York’s transition to reliable, resilient clean energy with new clean energy infrastructure projects
Company planning “Catskills Renewable Connector” project to deliver homegrown renewable energy from across upstate New York to homes and businesses downstate
Rise Light & Power CEO: “We are not only renewing our commitment to serving New York with cost-effective, reliable energy, as we have for nearly sixty years, but we also now committing to large-scale investments in clean energy infrastructure that will help New York meet its nation-leading climate goals.”
Long Island City, New York – January 14, 2021 – Ravenswood Generating, the Queens, New York-based subsidiary of LS Power that owns and operates the Ravenswood Generating Station – New York City’s largest power generator – today announced a new name to reflect its expanded commitment to New York’s transition to reliable and resilient clean energy: Rise Light & Power.
Since acquiring the Ravenswood Generating Station in 2017, LS Power has invested more than $160 million in modernization and resiliency upgrades for the Long Island City facilities and removed more than 300MW of fossil-fired peakers from service to make way for new clean energy infrastructure.
“LS Power is proud to be a part of New York’s transition to clean energy,” said Paul Segal, CEO of LS Power, owner of Rise Light & Power. “By launching Rise Light & Power, our goal is to reassert our commitment to directing our efforts and capital toward enabling an affordable energy transition while maintaining essential reliable electric service.”
Led by renewables veteran Clint Plummer as its CEO, Rise Light & Power will continue the reliable operations of the Ravenswood Generating Station, as well as increase its focus on large-scale clean energy projects.
“We are thrilled to introduce Rise Light & Power, and with it, to rededicate ourselves to the important work of lighting New York’s future with clean energy,” said Clint Plummer, Chief Executive Officer. “For nearly six decades, the more than 100 employees at the Ravenswood Generating Station have played a vital role in keeping the lights on for New Yorkers. Rise Light & Power will extend its proud tradition with further investments in clean energy resources that can help New York achieve Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading renewable energy goals.”
Rise Light & Power will continue to operate the Ravenswood Generating Station, including ‘Big Allis,’ the steam energy generating facility that has been in service since 1963. The 28-acre waterfront facility in Long Island City currently provides more than twenty percent of the city’s generation capacity and has long been an essential part of New York’s energy system, delivering safe and reliable service during major weather events, including Hurricane Sandy, during which it provided up to 50 percent of New York City’s energy.
In addition to its existing operations, Rise Light & Power plans to develop and invest in new clean energy infrastructure projects, such as its previously-announced large-scale battery energy storage facility, that will advance New York’s economic development goals and help fulfill Governor Cuomo’s goal of transitioning 70 percent of electric generation to renewable energy by 2030.
The first such new project will be the Catskills Renewable Connector, a planned 1,200 MW submarine and underground transmission project that will unlock the potential for new wind and solar energy from across upstate New York to reach customers downstate. In addition to helping to meet Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading 70-by-30 goal, this new project is expected to result in billions of dollars in in-state investments and significant local job creation. At full output, the proposed line is expected to supply up to approximately 15 percent of New York City’s electricity needs with clean, renewable, homegrown energy.
Rise’s launch drew high praise from a diverse group of stakeholders:
Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters: “New York is shifting to a green energy economy and Rise Light & Power will play a critical role in this transition. Renewable energy projects like their large-scale battery energy storage will bring important environmental, economic, and public health benefits to all New Yorkers. I know that the city and state’s environmental stakeholders will have a ready and willing partner in Rise as we shift from the energy of the past to the energy of the future.”
Eddie Bautista, Executive Director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance: “This past year has underscored the need for companies to engage New York City’s communities and consider their impact on the most marginalized among us, particularly when it comes to environmental justice and health. Rise’s plans to work in close partnership with community leaders is a welcome step forward. Together, we can transform New York’s energy grid in a way that advances climate justice.”
Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor, Co-founder and CEO of Urban Upbound: “As a life-long resident of Long Island City and a part of a family that has dedicated its life to service in Northwestern Queens and beyond, I am more than encouraged to see the evolution of Rise Light & Power. With the community suffering from a high concentration of asthma and respiratory issues, it is imperative for us to turn to clean energy infrastructure. Rise Light & Power has demonstrated its commitment to large-scale reform by removing a number of fossil-fired peakers. I’m delighted to welcome Clint Plummer and his team of true energy reformers.”
Thomas J. Grech, President & CEO at the Queens Chamber of Commerce: “Now more than ever, Queens needs aggressive action to help drive economic development, foster growth and innovation and support good-paying middle-class jobs. Rise Light & Power will be an important partner in this effort. I look forward to working with them to strengthen our communities and local economy at large.”
Liz Lusskin, President of the Long Island City Partnership: “Ravenswood has been a valued member of the Long Island City business community for decades. I am confident that as Rise, the company’s renewed commitment will deepen its impact. As our community works to build back from the COVID pandemic, we are going to need leaders like Rise to help us pave the way toward a stronger, healthier future. I look forward to working with them to achieve this shared goal.”
Kevin Law, President and CEO of the Long Island Association: “We commend Rise Light & Power for its commitment to providing safe and reliable power to its customers while continuing to invest in clean energy infrastructure that will help spur economic growth.”
Tom Wright, President of the Regional Plan Association: “Our metropolitan region has always been a beacon of progress and innovation, and Rise will help us continue moving ever-upward into a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future. New York has set nation-leading goals to propel us forward, and clean-energy infrastructure is a critical component of that vision. Working with Rise, we will be well-positioned to accomplish these ambitious goals.”
Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council and President of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York: “The construction of the Catskills Renewable Connector will be a major driver of sustainable economic growth for New York for decades to come and will create countless middle-class careers for members of the union building trades across the state. As New York focuses its efforts on building ourselves out of this economic crisis, it’s crucial that job-intensive, sustainable infrastructure projects like the Catskills Renewable Connector lead the way forward to recovery. We’re proud to partner with Rise Light & Power on this ambitious, forward-looking plan that helps transform Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading renewable energy vision into a reality.”
Jim Shillitto, President of Utility Workers of America Local 1-2: “This is a critical moment for the future of energy in New York State. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York has made significant forward strides in building a cleaner, more resilient energy system. It’s incumbent upon private sector leaders to make good on these commitments. Thanks to Rise, we’re one step closer toward this important goal. Local 1-2 and its members who operate the Ravenswood facility look forward to working with Rise to meet the cleaner production of power that will benefit all New Yorkers.”
Mrs. April Simpson, President of Queensbridge Houses Resident Association: “I have been a resident of Queensbridge Houses for almost 59 years, and the new administration of RGS, now recognized as Rise Light & Power, is the first to ever engage with the community on our thoughts and needs. They have truly made a difference in our lives, whether by initiating cleaner energy or distributing food, groceries, and toys. Rise Light & Power is truly a blessing for the community.”
Ms. Carol Wilkins, President of Ravenswood Houses Resident Association: “Rise Light & Power has demonstrated their unwavering commitment to strengthening the community in these unprecedented times. Ravenswood Resident Association and the community is grateful for the support we’ve received and excited about Rise Light & Power clean energy services to come.”
Mrs. Ann Cotton Morris, President of Queens District & Woodside Houses Resident Association: “The support we’ve received from Rise Light & Power has been needed and deeply appreciated. I’ve been the President of Woodside Houses for 40 years, a resident for 71 years, and I’ve never seen the long lines of people waiting to receive food like we have seen since the beginning of the recent pandemic. I look forward to the new branding of Rise Light & Power, the great services they provide and our continued partnership to empower the community.”
Ms. Claudia Coger, President of Astoria Houses Resident Association: “The residents of Astoria Houses have benefited greatly from the support and services provided by Rise Light & Power. We are so encouraged about the new branding and opportunities being brought into our community.”
Anne Reynolds, Executive Director of Alliance for Clean Energy New York: “New York has ambitious goals to transition to clean energy, which will be good for the environment, good for the economy, and good for working families. But it will take private companies able to imagine new ways to reliably provide clean power to all New Yorkers and willing to seriously invest in New York. That’s why we are excited by the vision of Rise Light & Power and look forward to working with them as partners in this transition over the coming years.”
Joe Martens, Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance: “Transitioning our energy system to clean, sustainable, resilient and affordable alternatives is one of the most critical tasks and challenges we have in our battle against climate change. Rise Light & Power’s commitment to leading this transition in New York State is an essential step forward. I applaud Rise’s aggressive efforts to help New York win this fight, and I look forward to partnering with them, Governor Cuomo and other leaders in the months and years to come.”
Gavin Donohue, President and CEO, Independent Power Producers of New York: “Clean energy infrastructure is one of the most exciting and promising opportunities we have on the horizon. From labor to the R&D sector to ordinary everyday New Yorkers, everyone stands to gain from its actualization. IPPNY is proud to work with Rise Light & Power to help build a sustainable, renewable energy future.”
Stephen Gross, President & Chief Executive Officer of IHI Power Services: “Ravenswood has been an outstanding partner throughout the years, continually demonstrating their strong commitment to the project, local community and our employees. We’re excited to see the company evolve to help transform New York’s power grid. We look forward to working with Rise Light & Power to provide the city and state with reliable energy.”
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Contact:
Sid Nathan, Vice President, External Affairs
sid.nathan@riselight.com
www.riselight.com
About Rise Light & Power
Rise Light & Power is a Queens, New York based energy asset manager and developer. Its core asset, Long Island City’s Ravenswood Generation Station, is New York City’s largest power generating facility, which provides more than 20 percent of New York City’s generation capacity. Rise is also pursuing an exciting growth-oriented strategy, including modernization and resiliency upgrades at Ravenswood Generation Station, as well as new large-scale clean energy infrastructure to facilitate the renewable energy transition taking place in New York State and the region. Rise Light & Power is a wholly owned affiliate of LS Power. For more information, please visit www.riselight.com.