A new study touting the economic benefits of Broadwater Energy's proposed liquefied natural gas barge was met with a firestorm of criticism Tuesday.

Boston-based Levitan and Associates conducted the study that concludes ratepayers would save three times more money than Broadwater officials had previously claimed if the barge goes operational. Levitan and Associates' report states savings would total $15 billion over 10 years.

Long Island Power Authority CEO Richard Kessel countered that Long Island customers would receive about 20 percent of total savings and said that's not enough.

"If Broadwater is asking Long Island to house this project in the Long Island Sound, then we think there ought to be added benefits to Long Island," Kessel said.

Adrienne Esposito of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, an outspoken critic of the LNG barge, said the report shortchanges the environmental effects and "ignores all the relevant issues which we've raised."

The Broadwater project still requires federal and state approval. Gov. Eliot Spitzer has not yet taken a stand on the issue.

To watch News 12 Long Island's previous coverage of the Broadwater LNG barge, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Related Information:Esposito:Broadwater wants clean-air exemptionsBandof Broadwater opponents bring fight to AlbanyStatestudy suggests South Shore spots for BroadwaterMediatours site of proposed Broadwater barge