"Efficiency Long Island" is a new program designed by LIPA. Through a variety of energy efficient initiatives, that include:

• High efficiency new home construction,
  
• Use of efficient lighting and appliances, and
  
• Pprograms for new and existing commerical buildings.
  

LIPA intends to eliminate 500 megawatts of energy use from the system in 2018.

This program works in conjunction with the energy policy agenda Governor Spitzer proposed last week, which calls for a 15 percent reduction in statewide energy use by 2015.

Although this plan is still in development stages, it will launch in the beginning of 2008. Among its criticisms so far include a tax hike for already overly taxed residents of Long Island. Part of the solution to pay for the "Efficiency Long Island" proposal is to charge a 'rider' that would subsidize $41.6 million of the costs.

Read the full Newsday article HERE.