Increasing Competition in the CCA Market Benefits New York Residents and Furthers State's Energy Goals

ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved two companies — Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) and PowerMarket — to be authorized as community choice aggregation (CCA) administrators in New York State. Authorizing new CCA administrators in New York is beneficial because it will increase competition in the State's CCA market, potentially leading to lower energy costs, improved customer engagement, and encourages innovation and differentiation. It could also provide communities with more awareness, transparency, and accountability, while promoting additional energy-related products and services that assist communities in meeting its clean energy goals.

“CCA programs can provide substantial opportunities for local, community, and individual engagement on topics related to energy needs, such as innovative energy programs, products, and services that promote and advance the achievement of local and State energy goals,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “The Commission remains interested in allowing CCA programs to provide more local control of energy supply sources and price, so long as consumers benefit and statewide policy goals are advanced.”

In November, the Commission adopted enhancements to the State’s CCA program’s outreach and education requirements. The CCA program is intended to provide more attractive energy supply terms through the bargaining power that aggregation provides, the expertise provided by municipal or consultant experts, and the competitive public process for choosing an energy service company supplier.

The CCA construct also provides local governments the opportunity to engage with their residents and businesses on critical energy issues and to develop innovative programs, products, and services that promote and advance the achievement of the state’s energy goals. Currently, there are 45 municipalities participating in New York State’s CCA program.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

Today’s decisions 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-M-0224 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.