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For Immediate Release: 01/18/2024 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
24006/20-E-0197 January 18, 2024
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PSC OKs Process to Develop New State-of-the-Art Transmission Lines |
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Transmission Upgrades Needed to Meet Requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Major Transmission Projects Under Review Will Bring Clean Energy to Downstate Market
ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved a process to assess advanced transmission technologies that will reduce the costs and impacts of the transmission upgrades needed to meet the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). The Commission’s decision is intended to improve the transparency and accessibility of the utilities’ technology vetting procedures.
In 2020, the Commission initiated a proceeding to implement transmission planning to comply with
the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (Accelerated Renewables Act). That statute required the Commission to identify upgrades to the electric grid needed to support the climate goals established in the Climate Act. In mid-2023, the Commission strengthened efforts to implement the planning requirements of the Accelerated Renewables Act.
“The Climate Act is advancing renewable energy, driving statewide economic growth, and creating jobs at a record pace,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “To continue meeting the State’s goals requires smart and timely investments for significant upgrades and additions to the State’s existing transmission and distribution systems to enable the continued integration of new large-scale renewable energy projects into the State’s energy supply, and today’s decision will ensure the State’s investments take advantage of cost-saving and efficient new transmission technologies.”
Today’s decision approves the utilities’ establishment of an Advanced Technology Working Group (ATWG) to respond to earlier Commission directives relating to the study and adoption of such technologies in utility infrastructure planning. The approved plan establishes a process for identifying and vetting new technologies. The order adds procedural requirements that will enhance the ATWG’s technology scouting and surveying efforts, improve coordination with the current cycle of the Coordinated Grid Planning Process; and establish a regular schedule for future assessments that will facilitate technology developer participation.
New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $46 billion in 65 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with 400 registered and more than 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 20-E-0197 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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