ALBANY, N.Y. – New York
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday the launch of “Fuel NY,” an initiative to
improve access to gasoline during a severe storm or other major weather events.
“Fuel NY” was developed as a direct response to gas shortages that occurred
during Hurricane Sandy, and includes the nation’s strongest back-up power
requirements for gas stations in strategic locations.
As one step in a
comprehensive initiative to protect the fuel supply chain in an emergency,
“Fuel NY” will make up to $17 million in funding available to help retail gas
stations improve their back-up power capacity so they can remain open during
major storms.
“The lack of access to
gasoline greatly interfered with recovery and restoration efforts following
Superstorm Sandy,” said Cuomo. “Fuel NY will provide first responders,
essential personnel, evacuating residents and other motorists with
peace-of-mind knowing that gas stations have the necessary back-up power
capacity to distribute gasoline and get things back to normal as quickly as
possible after a major storm. We have learned many lessons from Sandy, and this
is one effort the State has undertaken to ensure it is better prepared in
advance of the next extreme weather event.”
As part of the initiative,
the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will administer a
grant program to enable gas stations to install the wiring necessary so they
can connect portable emergency generators in the event of an extended power
outage due to an energy or fuel supply emergency or to install a permanently
affixed back-up power generator.
Additionally, a new
website, nysandyhelp.ny.gov/fuel-ny,
has been created to provide information for both gas station owners and
motorists identifying which gas stations are required to participate in the
program. The website also provides a question and answer section and
information on how to apply for funding. The site will be updated regularly to
show which stations are equipped with back-up power capacity.
Approximately half of all
downstate gas stations in New York City, Long Island and Westchester and
Rockland counties are now required to have back-up power in the event of an
emergency. Stations within a half-mile of a highway exit or hurricane
evacuation route in these downstate areas will need to be wired with a transfer
switch by April 1, 2014. They must deploy and install a generator within 24
hours of losing power in an emergency.
In addition, 30% of all
retail outlets that are part of a chain further than half-mile from highway
exits and evacuation routes in these downstate areas will be required to
install a transfer switch by August 1, 2015. They must deploy and install a
generator within 48 hours of losing power.
All newly constructed gas
stations for which a building permit is issued on or after April 1, 2014 will
be required to have wiring to deploy a generator or have a back-up generator
installed. Gas stations selling less than 75,000 gallons of fuel per month are
exempt.