ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today strengthened and improved Tier 2 of New York’s landmark Clean Energy Standard, which ensures that 50 percent of the state’s electricity will be generated from renewable resources by 2030. The improvements made to the Maintenance Tier program, which applies to only eligible, preexisting renewable facilities, include expanding the number of already-built renewable energy projects eligible for funding under the program in cases of need, increasing the size threshold for eligible existing hydroelectric facilities from 5 MW up to 10 MW, and lowering regulatory burdens to make it easier to participate in the program if the facility is under economic duress.

 “Through the Clean Energy Standard, New York has been able to attract billions of dollars in private investment for new renewable power supplies, while developing new jobs and clean energy choices for consumers,” said Commission Chair John B. Rhodes. “Our decision today will further expand those benefits, and help ensure that existing renewable facilities continue to operate and contribute to the 50 percent renewables goal by 2030.”

Specifically, the Commission expanded Maintenance Tier eligibility to include certain renewable facilities in operation prior to January 1, 2015, and established delivery requirements into New York consistent with those for Tier 1. It also increased the size of existing eligible hydroelectric facilities and provided for a streamlined review process, and it established a standard contract term of three years with the potential for contract renewals.

Overall, the changes will reduce the administrative burden of facilities seeking maintenance support, and will better recognize the environmental contribution of existing baseline renewable resources. The order continues a series of Commission and State actions to increase the use of renewable electric generation in New York, and to ensure that both new and existing renewable resources receive targeted, adequate, and prudent support for their development and operations.

On August 1, 2016, the Commission adopted the Clean Energy Standard requiring load-serving entities (LSEs) to support new renewable generation resources to serve their retail customers, and a maintenance program which supports the maintenance of certain at-risk baseline renewable resources from small hydro, wind and biomass generation facilities that demonstrate a financial need and that would cease operations without such support. For facilities at risk of retirement, the improved maintenance program establishes a straightforward financial needs test and administrative process to determine whether ratepayer support is prudent.

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 15-E-0302 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. REV 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 and requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven growth of more than 1,000 percent in the statewide solar market, improved energy affordability for 1.65 million low-income customers, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York 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 REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, visit rev.ny.gov, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.