Albany, NY—The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today commenced a proceeding to establish procedures for the identification of public policy requirements that will be factored into future energy infrastructure planning. While the Commission already considers many factors in its consideration of infrastructure needs, such as system reliability and efficiency, reduced environmental and health impacts, and job growth, this action will enable the Commission, in conjunction with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), to align its infrastructure planning with specific public policies.

“This proceeding will establish the procedures that the Commission will use to identify any transmission needs driven by public policy requirements that warrant referral to the NYISO for project-specific evaluation,” said Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. “The initiative will enable us to coordinate the Commission’s policy efforts with the NYISO’s ongoing planning process.”

The NYISO process includes new assessments required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in order to ensure that public policies are considered in system planning. The NYISO relies on the Commission for the identification of the public policy requirements that should be addressed in its studies. Previously, the NYISO did not have a process that would accept for evaluation transmission projects solely for addressing a proposed or established public policy requirements, such as system reliability, efficiency, reduced environmental and health impacts, and job growth.

Transmission projects that fulfill such public policy requirements will now become eligible for cost recovery through the NYISO’s tariff if they are selected by the NYISO as the more efficient or cost-effective solution. Transmission projects will still need to obtain State and local approvals for siting, construction, and operation, as appropriate. The Commission retains its jurisdiction to approve a non-transmission project over a transmission proposal, if it finds a generation or demand-side solution is preferable. 

The Commission’s decision today, when issued, 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 14-E-0068 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders 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.