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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
24007/22-E-0137 January 18, 2024
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PSC Makes it Easier for State Agencies to Participate in Clean Energy Programs |
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Commission’s Decision Allows State Agencies to Develop and Own Solar and Other Distributed Energy Projects ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved a request to provide a New York State Standard Interconnection Contract specifically for use with State agencies. The new standard contract will enable State agencies to interconnect distributed generation and/or energy storage systems sized up to five megawatts on the same basis as other distributed energy customers. “Until today’s decision, State agencies were unable to comply with some of the provisions of the current standard interconnection contract because of legal or policy restrictions,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Approving this petition means that State agencies can site and directly own distributed generation and/or energy storage facilities on their property and thus contribute to the State’s distributed generation and energy storage goals.”
The Commission’s removal of this barrier will allow these government entities to integrate solar and storage technologies directly into their operations, improving the resiliency of public offices and facilities and reducing their energy costs, which are among the objectives of the State’s goals for these resources. On February 17, 2022, the Commission approved a similar interconnection agreement for federal agencies.
“Distributed generation” refers to a variety of technologies that generate electricity at or near where it will be used, such as solar panels and combined heat and power. New York’s Climate Act mandates the procurement of at least six gigawatts (GW) of distributed photovoltaic solar generation by 2025, three GW of energy storage capacity by 2030, and nine GW of offshore wind generation by 2035.
Battery energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time to reduce imbalances between energy demand and energy production. Battery energy storage systems are a critical component to achieving a reliable, zero-emissions grid. Such storage deployments are expected to reduce projected future statewide electric system costs by nearly $2 billion.
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 22-E-0137 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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