by Brianna Crandall — August 24, 2016 — New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the New York State Public Service Commission’s (PSC) approval of New York’s comprehensive and ambitious Clean Energy Standard in order to fight climate change, reduce harmful air pollution, and ensure a diverse and reliable energy supply. The Clean Energy Standard will require 50% of New York’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar by 2030, with an aggressive phase-in schedule over the next several years.
In its initial phase, utilities and other energy suppliers will be required to procure and phase in new renewable power resources, starting with 26.31% of the state’s total electricity load in 2017 and growing to 30.54% of the statewide total in 2021. The Clean Energy Standard will cost less than $2 a month to the average residential customer’s bill, says the state.
The Clean Energy Standard will:
- Significantly reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and prevent backsliding on progress made to date by maintaining the operations of carbon-free nuclear power plants as the state transitions to a 50% renewable requirement; and,
- Strengthen New York’s electric fuel diversity for the reliability benefits it brings, and place New York as a leader of the global effort to combat climate change and the resulting extreme weather events.
By 2030, the 50% renewable mandate will be a critical component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% (from 1990 levels) and by 80% by 2050.
The Clean Energy Standard will be enforced by requiring utilities and other energy suppliers to obtain a targeted number of Renewable Energy Credits each year. These credits will be paid to renewable developers to help finance new renewable energy sources that will be added to the electric grid.
The Clean Energy Standard decision also includes other directives to reach the “50 by 2030” mandate:
- The Public Service Commission (PSC) will work with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and stakeholders to develop a New York-certified clean electric product, giving consumers the ability to buy 100% clean power, should they want that option.
- PSC will promote and support maximum expansion of energy efficiency wherever possible and evaluate the creation of renewable heating and cooling technologies such as geothermal heat pumps.
- NYSERDA will continue to develop a blueprint to advance offshore wind energy.
- PSC staff will work with the NYISO and other stakeholders to ensure that necessary investments are made in storage, transmission and other technologies to secure a reliable electric system.
- PSC will require triennial reviews of the Clean Energy Standard to ensure economic and clean energy goals are being achieved.
Since maintaining zero-emission nuclear power is a critical element to achieving New York’s ambitious climate goals, the Clean Energy Standard requires utilities to purchase Zero-Emission Credits starting in April 2017, which will allow financially struggling upstate nuclear power plants to remain in operation during the transition to 50% renewables.
Business, energy, labor and environmental groups such as The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE), Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and several other organizations are applauding and endorsing New York State’s adoption of the Clean Energy Standard.
