ERICA PIERSON, anchor:
Today was a first for discussion on an alternative way to generate electricity on Long Island that would not only be cleaner but cheaper.

CHRISTINE INSINGA reporting:

Mr. RICHARD KESSEL (LIPA Chairman): I think it's an exciting venture and it's one that I think we want to see come to fruition here on the island.

INSINGA: Using wind turbines like these to harness off-shore wind sources, Kessel says, is a cutting-edge way to generate Long Island's electricity. (Visual of wind mills)

Mr. KESSEL: I think this is a unique opportunity to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and the traditional way of generating electricity.

INSINGA: Though he says installing them could cost around $200 million, in the long run he claims it's a worthwhile investment. (Visual of LIPA banner)

Mr. KESSEL: Wind power is free. The fuel is free. It's wonderful for the environment.

INSINGA: Using alternative technologies such as wind turbines means less power plants and less power plants, environmentalists say, means a cleaner environment.

Mr. SCOTT CULLEN (Star Foundation): It's much better than building a gas power plant in somebody's back yard. It's clean, it's safe and it's good for the future. So I'm glad that this is happening.

INSINGA: It will also help create energy independence.

Mr. KESSEL: You don't have to worry about tensions in the Mideast causing the cost of oil or natural gas to go up and down.

Mr. CULLEN: It's really clean, safe and it's a viable solution for Long Island.

INSINGA: The initial plan calls for 33 turbines which will be used to generate 100 megawatts of electricity. Calling it a common sense solution to Long Island's energy needs, environmentalists say there are still a number of issues which need to discussed.

Ms. KATHLEEN WHITLEY (Sustainable Energy Alliance): Such as impacts on view, real estate, tourism, the economic impacts and benefits and also rate payer concerns, what will this do to my rates?

INSINGA: Christine Insinga, NEWS 55.

PIERSON: The project could get off the ground as soon as next year.

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