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For Immediate Release: 09/09/21

John B. Howard, Chair

Contact:

 

James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080

http://www.dps.ny.gov

http://twitter.com/NYSDPS  

  

 

 

21092 / 20-E-0197

 

September 09, 2021

PSC Directs Utilities to Submit Transmission Proposals That Support State’s Aggressive Clean Energy Goals


Transmission Upgrades Needed to Meet Requirements of the Climate Leadership and
Community Protection Act
 
ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today advanced the objectives of the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act, which requires the State’s utilities to propose and plan for large-scale transmission and distribution projects that will help the State achieve its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) clean-energy targets at the least cost and greatest benefit to ratepayers and communities.
 
“Advancing renewable energy, driving statewide economic growth, and creating jobs requires smart and timely investments,” said Commission Chair John B. Howard. “New York is making significant upgrades and additions to the State’s existing transmission and distribution systems to integrate new large-scale renewable energy projects into the State’s energy supply, and we must ensure that these investments are smart and cost-effective.”

The Commission’s order today sets out four primary tasks for further work:
 
  • Utilities are directed to refine and resubmit the evaluation criteria they propose for selecting CLCPA-driven upgrades and to provide more details on the mechanism for recovery of CLCPA-driven costs;
  • Utilities are required to develop new coordinated planning procedures, in collaboration with DPS staff, NYSERDA, the NYISO, and other stakeholders, and to revise their study methodologies;
  • The four major upstate electric utilities — NYSEG, RG&E, National Grid, and Central Hudson — are directed to propose cost-effective solutions for three existing generation pockets in the Capital Region, southwest, and northern regions of the State that are expected to see additional renewable generation development in response to the State’s renewable procurement efforts; and
  • Further, the utilities are directed to revise their method of calculating the local and regional electric grid’s ability to integrate additional renewable resources and provide updated data to stakeholders.
 
In addition to reducing carbon emissions and generating more clean energy, the CLCPA will help create thousands of green jobs in communities across the State — from building trades and technicians to engineers and financiers — making New York a hub for clean energy economic growth. It will also help provide a seat at the table for disadvantaged communities, while ensuring good paying job opportunities for all New Yorkers.
 
Taken together, today’s order puts in motion efforts toward full implementation of the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act, which will identify investments in distribution and local and bulk transmission necessary to meet the State’s requirements under the CLCPA.
 
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 20-E-0197 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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