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For Immediate Release: 8/17/2023 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
23082 / 20-E-0197 August 17, 2023
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PSC Approves Utility Transmission Planning Processes |
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Transmission Upgrades Needed to Meet Requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or Climate Act Major Transmission Projects Under Review Will Bring Clean Energy to Downstate Market
ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved the revised coordinated grid planning process proposed by the State’s major utilities — Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation; Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.; Long Island Power Authority; National Grid (upstate); New York State Electric & Gas Corporation; Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc.; and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation. Approval of the planning process means the major utilities will now conduct a cycle of system studies over the next 24 months. At the conclusion of the studies, a necessary component of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act or Climate act, the utilities will submit proposed transmission investment plans for the Commission's review.
“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.”
Given the importance of this proceeding, many of the State’s leading environmental and consumer advocacy groups submitted comments, mainly in support of the grid planning process. Groups participating in the proceeding included the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, Advanced Energy United, Natural Resources Defense Council, American Clean Power Association, and the City of New York.
In 2020, the Commission initiated a proceeding to implement transmission planning to comply with the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act or Accelerated Renewables Act. That statute required the Commission to identify upgrades to the electric grid that are necessary to support the climate goals established in the Climate Act. Today’s decision furthers the Commission's efforts to implement the planning requirements of the Accelerated Renewables Act.
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%, 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 $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021 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 nearly 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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