Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act Transmission Planning Initiatives

Strategic Insights -

The New York State Public Service Commission has commenced a proceeding to establish a bulk transmission investment program to implement the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (AREGCB). The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has submitted comments on the electric utilities' local transmission and distribution report, emphasizing the need for transmission expansion to meet the state's climate change policy objectives. The NYISO also comments on technical consultants' studies on New York's bulk power transmission system needs to integrate and deliver offshore wind energy to consumers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AREGCBA directs the Commission to take actions to provide that New York's electric grid will support the state's Climate Leadership and Climate Protection Act (CLCPA) mandates, which require 70% of energy consumed in New York State to be produced by renewable resources by 2030.
  • The Act calls for the PSC to commence a proceeding to establish a bulk transmission investment program, which will identify bulk transmission system investments necessary to achieve the CLCPA targets.
  • The Commission will establish a prioritized schedule for implementation of the state bulk transmission investment plan and identify projects that must be completed expeditiously to meet the CLCPA targets.
  • The Act authorizes the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to undertake the development of bulk transmission investments, on its own or in partnership with others, found by the Commission to be needed expeditiously to achieve CLCPA targets.
  • The NYISO comments on the need for additional transmission infrastructure to meet the state's climate change policy objectives, highlighting the factors contributing to the need for bulk transmission expansion to achieve these objectives.
  • The NYISO emphasizes the importance of the Public Policy Process to solicit, evaluate, and select efficient and cost-effective bulk transmission solutions eligible for cost allocation and recovery through its tariffs.

Statistics:

  • By 2030, 70% of energy consumed in New York State must be produced by renewable resources.
  • The New York State Public Service Commission will establish a bulk transmission investment program to implement the AREGCBA.
  • The Commission will identify bulk transmission system investments necessary to achieve the CLCPA targets.
  • The New York Power Authority will undertake the development of bulk transmission investments, on its own or in partnership with others.
  • The NYISO comments on the need for additional transmission infrastructure to meet the state's climate change policy objectives.
  • The Public Policy Process will prioritize transmission system investments to achieve the CLCPA targets.

Sources:

  • Case 20-E-0197, Proceeding on Motion of the Commission to Implement Transmission Planning Pursuant to the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act.
  • New York State Public Service Commission, "Proceeding on Motion of the Commission to Implement Transmission Planning Pursuant to the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act" (November 18, 2020).
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, "Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act" (2020).