The Long Island Association (LIA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1049 (IBEW 1049) recently hosted an event featuring Carrie Meek Gallagher, the newly appointed CEO of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). The event took place in Melville, New York, and marked Meek Gallagher’s first major regional speaking engagement since her appointment by the LIPA Board of Trustees in June 2025.
Meek Gallagher has over twenty years of experience in public utilities, environmental protection, regional planning, and sustainability. Before taking on her current role at LIPA, she served as Director of the Long Island Office for the New York State Department of Public Service. In that position, she oversaw regulatory activities related to both LIPA and PSEG Long Island.
During her presentation to more than 100 attendees, Meek Gallagher provided updates on several key initiatives. She spoke about South Fork Wind, which is recognized as the country’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm. She also noted that nearly 100,000 customers are now participating in a state-leading solar installation program. Additionally, she discussed a new time-of-day-rate system—the first such plan implemented in New York State—and highlighted that LIPA’s transmission and distribution reliability has surpassed all other overhead electric utilities in the state for five consecutive years.
Matt Cohen, President & CEO of LIA, stated: “For Long Island’s economy to thrive, a reliable grid that can accommodate future growth is critical. I am confident with her extensive public service on multiple levels of government and expertise in our region’s energy landscape that LIPA CEO Carrie Meek Gallagher will guide our region towards a stable energy future. I also thank IBEW Local 1049 for their work every day in ensuring our homes and businesses are powered and appreciate their partnership with this event.”
LIA Board Chair Larry Waldman added: “The overview that CEO Meek Gallagher provided about LIPA’s role in managing our electric grid was very helpful to the LIA’s energy and environment committee as we continue to advocate for a reliable energy infrastructure for Long Island. We support efforts to address affordability and ensure that a mix of energy sources will power our grid.”
Pat Guidice, Business Manager at IBEW Local 1049 said: “CEO Meek Gallagher offered an insightful look into LIPA’s ongoing work and the challenges of operating a system as complex as ours. Her extensive background in state energy and environmental leadership is clearly reflected in her approach, and it gives our membership confidence in the direction she is setting. IBEW Local 1049 appreciates the open communication and remains committed to working alongside her team to support reliable service for the communities we power every day.”
Carrie Meek Gallagher commented: “Long Island’s energy future depends on strong partnerships, and I’m grateful to the Long Island Association and IBEW Local 1049 for bringing our community together today. The work of the men and women of 1049 keeps our grid reliable every single day, and forums like this help ensure we are aligned as we plan for the future. I look forward to continuing our collaboration to deliver reliable, affordable, and clean energy for all Long Islanders.”
The Energy and Environment Committee at LIA focuses on topics such as green jobs creation, power generation methods including renewables like wind farms or solar installations; efficiency improvements; groundwater protection; agriculture; waste management; clean air initiatives; among others. Leadership roles within this committee are held by members from various sectors across Long Island.
Founded in 1926, LIA serves as Long Island’s chamber of commerce representing business interests throughout the region.
