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For Immediate Release: 12/15/16
Audrey Zibelman, Chair
Contact: Jon Sorensen | Jon.Sorensen@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
16083/14-E-0151; 14-E-0422 December 15, 2016
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Public Service Commission Extends Deadlines For Large Solar Projects In Development Since 2015 |
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ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) took steps today to continue the development of large solar projects around the state after many projects have been slowed by the large increase in the project proposals and applications submitted to New York utilities. “By maintaining their eligibility for monetary crediting, the Commission is avoiding concerns about the financing of these projects and allowing them to be completed during the next two years,” said Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. “The continued development of renewable power [projects and other distributed energy resources is a primary goal of Gov. Cuomo’s long-term energy strategy REV – Reforming the Energy Vision – to fight climate change and to grow New York’s clean-energy economy.”
Today, the Commission extended the opportunity for some solar project developers to retain eligibility for monetary net metering credits for projects that were proposed prior to June 1, 2015. At that time, the Commission required that these “grandfathered” projects complete construction and enter into service by Dec. 31, 2017 in order to receive monetary crediting rather than transition directly to volumetric crediting and successor tariffs. That transition is now being developed as part of the Commission’s ongoing proceeding to evaluate the full value of Distributed Energy Resources.
The Commission’s order allows these projects to extend beyond the 2017 deadline and retain their grandfathered status so long as their projects have progressed beyond the application stage and they achieve specific future development milestones. The order requires the developers to make payment for any utility construction work that is necessary to interconnect their projects by January 31, 2017 and to complete all of the construction that is under their control no later than November 30, 2017. Projects that meet this development timeline will preserve their qualification for monetary credits.
Today’s order is just one of several actions New York State has taken to further advance the installation and interconnection of solar and other distributed energy resources. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Department of Public Service (DPS) provide ombudsman services to assist developers and utilities with interconnection disputes and navigating the interconnection process. Each investor-owned utility has appointed an ombudsperson of its own to help manage interconnection applications.
The State has also created two stakeholder groups to support the expansion of the market for distributed energy resources. The New York State Interconnection Policy Working Group, which is made up of representatives from DPS, NYSERDA, the utilities, the New York Solar Energy Industry Association, and a number of project developers, focuses on developing policy to streamline and improve the interconnection process. The Interconnection Technical Working Group engages the utilities, experts from the National Labs, project developers, and State technical experts in the development of standards and procedures that will enable increased penetration of these resources on the distribution grid while maintaining the safety and reliability of the system for all customers.
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 numbers14-E-0151 and 14-E-0422 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.
About Reforming the Energy Vision:
Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. Reforming the Energy Vision is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency, in part through the recent adoption of New York’s Clean Energy Standard which requires that 50 percent of the state's electricity needs be generated from renewable energy sources by 2030. Already, Reforming the Energy Vision has driven 600 percent growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. Reforming the Energy Vision is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about Reforming the Energy Vision, including the Governor's $5.3 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.
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