In the wake of extreme weather events on both coasts – hurricanes in the east and south, fires in the west – the new Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center stands as an important educational landmark to raise climate awareness. The new net-zero facility is now open to visitors, and it is the perfect representation of New York’s state of mind: building resilience and sustainability. Enel X Way is proud to participate in this wonderful new center.
In 2018, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a new Energy and Nature Education Center would be built at Jones Beach State Park. In the press release, Governor Cuomo stated: "The addition of the Energy and Nature Center highlights New York's progress in revitalizing historic Jones Beach State Park and our commitment to providing the very best recreation and tourism opportunities to both residents and visitors. This investment will continue to boost tourism across the region, while preserving our environment and encouraging visitors to support our State's outdoor resources."
The 12,000 square-foot Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center was designed by nArchitects. It was designed to produce as much electricity as it needs to consume – boasting solar panels, a large energy storage system and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations we provided. The building can serve as a microgrid for up to 6 hours at a time. Geothermal wells provide heating and cooling and the building also espouses passive design elements for solar shading. The facility also includes three dual-port JuiceStand Pro charging stations, with six JuiceBox Pro 40 units.
Exhibits will highlight how electricity is generated and distributed, how renewable power resources connect to a smart home and to the power grid, and how consumers can manage energy more efficiently to lower their own carbon footprint. There will be educational displays showcasing the building’s energy efficiency for visitors to see real-time data, in addition to a variety of hands-on exhibits and programs.
New York EVSE incentives
For drivers and businesses in New York, Enel X Way is a qualified EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) provider for a number of EVSE incentive programs including:
PSEG Long Island Smart Charger Rebate
up to $500
PSEG Long Island offers a residential smart charging rebate program for which the Enel X Way JuiceBox 40 smart charging stations qualify.
PSEG Long Island Smart Rewards
Get $0.05 per kWh cash back using a qualified JuiceBox smart charger between the off-peak hours of 11pm and 6am. Customers in the program will see the cash add up with every charge.
New York State EVSE Rebate
up to $4000
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) Charge Ready NY program offers rebates for public and private entities toward the purchase and installation of Level 2 EVSE at public parking facilities, workplaces, and multi-unit dwellings.
Receive a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of purchasing and installing an EV charging station (up to $1,000 for residential installations and up to $30,000 for commercial installations). For installations on or after January 1, 2023, the EVSE must be installed in a low-income or non-urban area to qualify for the credit.
“Long Islanders are driving more plug-in hybrid and full battery electric vehicles than ever before,” said Michelle Somers, Electric Vehicles Program Manager, PSEG Long Island. “Our program is focused on building EV charging infrastructure across the Island to reduce range anxiety and keep everyone charged up.”
Long Island is home to nearly one-third of all electric vehicles in New York State and PSEG Long Island has been leading the charge in advance of National Drive Electric Week.