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.