CCS North Country Survey Findings Set the Stage for Nov. 12 Forum on NYS's Changing Energy Landscape

Jefferson Community College (JCC) Center for Community Studies (CCS) will host a public forum on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Jules Center Amphitheater, Room 6-002, to explore the future of electrical energy in New York State and better inform local residents about the potential for nuclear reactors and the impact of electricity supply and demand.  

Jefferson’s Center for Community Studies has spent the past two years surveying North Country adults about their views on nuclear energy generation. Survey results indicate that residents have a strong interest in better understanding the factors that influence electricity supply and demand, as well as the energy options that may be available in the future. The November 12 forum offers community members an opportunity to get answers to their questions, hear insight from experts in and connected to the energy field, and engage directly with speakers.

Staff from the CCS will present recent North Country polling results regarding understanding, concern, support/opposition, and expectations regarding nuclear energy generation and electricity use.

Kevin Lanahan, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Corporate Communications from the NY Independent System Operator, will provide an overview of the state's electrical grid, how it works, explain how energy demand is growing faster than supply, and what that means for NYS.

The Tug Hill Commission will give a regional perspective on what the changing energy landscape means for the North Country in terms of generation, transmission and energy storage. A college official from Clarkson University will explain how this is affecting the consumer and energy bills. During the forum, there will be time for questions from community members.   

For more information, contact Joel LaLone, Director of the Center for Community Studies at JCC, by emailing jlalone@sunyjefferson.edu.