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For Immediate Release: 7/20/2023 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
23075 / 18-M-0084 July 20, 2023
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PSC Adopts Strategic Framework and Calls for $5 Billion in Energy Efficiency and Building Electrification Proposals |
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Energy Efficiency and Building Electrification Portfolios Align with the Climate Act Standards ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today adopted a strategic framework for the State's energy efficiency (EE) and building electrification (BE) portfolios. The revised strategic framework and associated policy direction will guide program administrators’ proposals to ensure the future EE/BE portfolios are in better alignment with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act or Climate Act and current Commission clean energy policies. The order also directs the relevant electric and gas utilities and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to file proposals, responsive to the strategic framework, totaling $1 billion per year through the period 2026–2030, or $5 billion for the period.
“The energy efficiency and building electrification Strategic Framework will ensure our programs evolve to focus ratepayer funding on programming that best aligns with the State’s current and significant clean energy goals,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Today’s order signals the strong commitment the Commission makes towards these policy objectives while recognizing the need to leverage financial contributions from other sources, such as federal funds and future proceeds from the State’s cap-and-invest program.”
The order also provides further policy guidance and direction that will ensure the program administrators’ collective programs work in tandem towards the achievement of the State’s goals by providing clarity regarding their respective roles, eliminating redundancy, improving program design and access, and modifying the administrative model to better serve low- to moderate-income customers; imposes the Climate Act requirement of a minimum of 35 percent, with goal of 40 percent, of benefits to disadvantaged communities; temporarily discontinues consideration of any new EE/BE earnings adjustment mechanisms; and allows for consideration of limited modifications to budgets or targets for EE/BE programs prior to 2026.
This strategic framework and associated policy direction will guide program administrators’ proposals to ensure the future EE/BE portfolios are in better alignment with the Climate Act and current Commission clean-energy policies, as well minimize redundancy and make the most efficient use of ratepayer funds.
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 $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 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 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 18-M-0084 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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