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For Immediate Release: 12/19/2024 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080 24107/22-E-0222 December 19, 2024
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PSC Approves Utility Climate Change Resilience Plans |
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New York’s Utility Regulator Approves Plans to Make Utility Infrastructure More Resilient to Climate Change Impacts ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved with modifications the Climate Change Resilience Plans filed by New York’s combined electric utilities. In its decision, the Commission directed the utilities to include proposed resilience investments as part of ongoing and future rate case proceedings, provide more explicit process and design changes with respect to climate change projections, define engagement strategies for proposed resilience measures that could impact telecommunication service providers, and include implementation- and outcome-based performance benchmarks for all proposed resilience measures in future updates to the plans and upcoming progress reports. “These plans detail how each of the combined electric utilities will incorporate climate change into planning, design, operations, and emergency response efforts,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Incorporating climate change into existing processes and practices will help manage climate change risks and build resilience.” The Commission today approved the resiliency plans of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid, and Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc., and it directed New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation to file revied plans within 90 days. Adherence to such plans will enable these electric utilities, and their electric service customers, to be better prepared to respond to and recover from future extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. The Commission initiated the proceeding to implement requirements of legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul that requires electric utility corporations to submit a climate change vulnerability study to evaluate each electric corporation's infrastructure, design specifications, and procedures to better understand the electric system’s vulnerability to climate-driven risks. Given the potential impacts of climate change on the provision of utility services, it is necessary for utilities to earnestly consider these impacts as part of their future decision-making. Both the studies and the plans were made available for public review and input. Each corporation must file an updated climate change resilience plan with the Commission for approval at least every five years. The Long Island Power Authority board will be considering the issue separately. The costs for implementing the plan will be recovered in each utility rate proceeding. 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 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 22-E-0222 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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