New York State Public Service Commission Issues Regulatory Document for Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Initiative

Strategic Insights -

The New York State Public Service Commission has issued a regulatory document on August 15, 2025, regarding a comprehensive energy efficiency initiative. This document, Case 18-M-0084, pertains to Case 14-M-0094 and involves the creation of a statewide low-to-moderate-income implementation plan. The plan is designed to facilitate energy efficiency and building electrification through 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) and six utility companies have jointly refiled the Statewide Low-to-Moderate-Income Portfolio Implementation Plan Version 5 (Implementation Plan).
  • The Implementation Plan outlines initiatives for existing 1-4 family homes, existing affordable multifamily buildings, affordable new construction, and additional low-income initiatives.
  • Budgets and benefits have been updated to reflect changes in funding allocations, historic data corrections, and the compilation of investment plans.
  • National Grid has shifted budgets into EmPower+ programs, while NYSERDA and Orange & Rockland have also adjusted their budget allocations.
  • The consolidated Verified Gross Savings (VGS) Specifications and the Implementation Plan have been updated to reflect the completion of additional evaluation studies.
  • The program administrators have acknowledged the need to shift funds into EmPower+ to account for the higher relative cost of delivering EmPower+ services.
  • The revised Implementation Plan reflects updated National Grid, NYSERDA, and Orange & Rockland values throughout the plan.
  • The document has been submitted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through its attorney, Sarah E. Simpson, Senior Counsel II.

Statistics:

  • The regulatory document was issued on August 15, 2025 (08/15/2025).
  • The Implementation Plan is Version 5 of the Statewide Low-to-Moderate-Income Portfolio Implementation Plan.
  • 2025 budgets were updated to reflect shifts in funding allocations and historic data corrections.
  • Funds were shifted into EmPower+ from other programs to account for the higher relative cost of delivering EmPower+ services.
  • National Grid updated budgets and benefits for NMPC, KEDNY, and KEDLI to reflect budget shifts and historic data corrections.
  • NYSERDA updated budgets and benefits to reflect the Compiled Investment Plan filed in April 2025.
  • 24.5% of 2025 funding was allocated to EmPower+ services as per the revised Implementation Plan.

Sources:

  • Case 18-M-0084 - In the Matter of a Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Initiative
  • Order Authorizing Utility Energy Efficiency and Building Electrification Portfolios Through 2025 ("Order") issued January 16, 2020
  • Statewide Low-to-Moderate-Income Portfolio Implementation Plan Version 5 (Implementation Plan)
  • Verified Gross Savings Specifications for initiatives in the Statewide LMI Portfolio
  • New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
  • National Grid
  • Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc.