New York State Current Emissions & Energy Regulations
2015 Energy Plan
The 2015 New York State energy plan was built upon the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) policy, regulatory reforms, initiatives and programs to focus on market transformation and thus enable the entire clean energy supply chain from technology developers to equipment wholesalers to consumers seeking clean energy options, to engage in a new, integrated, and self-sustaining private sector-driven clean energy market. The plan contains many initiatives, grouped into seven categories (click on "+" to open or "-" to close a category: 1. Renewable Energy
Renewable EnergyRenewable energy production and renewable resources will play a critical role in shaping New York’s energy future, providing resilient power, reducing fuel cost volatility, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. REV’s renewable energy initiatives aim to accelerate deployment of a broad spectrum of renewable technologies at various scales ranging from rooftop solar PV to grid-scale wind farms, with a consistent emphasis on benefiting the grid. Large-Scale Renewables Strategy Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are a major focus of the REV strategy, central generation and transmission will continue to serve as the backbone of our power grid. Pairing Large-Scale Renewables with dynamic DERs such as demand response and energy storage will maximize the benefits of both kinds of resources. NY-Sun Initiative The $1 billion NY-Sun Initiative provides long-term support to the statewide solar industry with an expected 3,000 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity added by 2023. K-Solar K-Solar provides tools, technical expertise and access to financing to help K-12 schools cost-effectively go solar. It is funded by a $30 million, five-year venture. Shared Renewables Shared Renewables, or community net metering, opens a pathway for customers and entire communities to take advantage of solar and other renewable energy sources. Interested New Yorkers. Offshore Wind Initiative Targeting programmatic and regulatory efforts to create an ecosystem for offshore wind (OSW) that enables projects to develop at scale, rather than on a project-by-project basis, the initiative will capture OSW’s numerous benefits at the lowest possible cost. Renewable Heat NY Renewable Heat NY supports development of market infrastructure for renewable heating/cooling technologies and fuels (e.g., solar space and water heating, ground and air source heat pumps). These efforts could include project specific support, providing training and technical support for service providers looking to expand their capabilities, and developing tools and resources to drive consumer demand. Clean Organic Waste Management Aging infrastructure and the need to reduce GHG emissions and improve resiliency have opened opportunities for the wastewater treatment, agriculture, food processing, and waste management sectors to develop new approaches to treating organic waste. Broad opportunities exist to transform the liability of organic waste into positive energy, environmental, and economic value (e.g. anaerobic digester biogas production and use to deliver operational and energy productivity gains and additional revenue streams). Sustainable Fuel Production State and related agencies will develop a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy to support in-state, sustainable, low-carbon fuel production using agricultural and organic waste feedstock, especially as a substitute for petroleum fuels imported from out-of-state. 2. Buildings and Energy Efficiency
Buildings and Energy EfficiencySince buildings consume roughly 60% of total energy used in New York State, building energy efficiency (both electric and thermal) is the most powerful tool at New York’s disposal to achieve the State’s aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals. Moreover, in order to maximize the potential benefits of renewable distributed generation resources, end use customers must consume the energy produced in an efficient manner. BuildSmart NY The program started in 2012, was a commitment to a 20% improvement in energy efficiency in State buildings by 2020. NYSERDA Energy Efficiency Strategies Regulatory changes, local laws, and building codes enable certain energy efficiency solutions however, NYSERDA addresses the remaining barriers with new programs and strategies that unlock the potential of energy efficiency to reduce operating costs, spur investment, and create jobs throughout the State. Utility Energy Efficiency Programs Existing utility efficiency targets represent the minimum that the utilities are expected to achieve however, programs established under the REV, in addition to NYSERDA initiatives, are expected to achieve statewide energy efficiency savings that exceed current levels. Energy Efficiency Measures in Affordable Housing Developments Consistent with the desire to ensure the economic, environmental and health benefits of clean energy are accessible to New Yorkers most in need measures focus on deploying renewable energy in and improving the energy efficiency of the State’s affordable multifamily housing stock. Combined Heat and Power The Public Service Commission is to investigate standby tariff policies to ensure that customers seeking CHP solutions are supported by appropriate regulations while NYSERDA continues to support CHP by expanding customer interest, accelerating uptake, and driving-down soft-costs through standardization. Building Codes To stay on the cutting edge of building sustainability, Department of State will propose an update to the New York Energy Conservation Construction Code to align with ASHRAE 90.1-2013 and IECC-2015 for both commercial and residential buildings by 2016. Appliance and Products Standards Collaborative efforts by manufacturers, distributors, retail buying groups and big box retailers are encouraged to increase market share of targeted novel and important technologies, which enables adoption of high-efficiency products to reach scale more effectively and result in greater reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Clean energy Financing
Clean Energy FinancingInsufficient access to financing has been a major barrier to scale in the clean energy sector. New York’s taxpayers and ratepayers will not be able to fund the State’s clean energy transition alone. The Planʼs success hinges upon its ability to animate markets that will attract private capital investment in the envisioned clean energy solutions. NY Green Bank The NYGB utilizes a variety of approaches and transaction structures that are market-focused and responsive. Rather than compete with private sector capital providers, NYGB looks to draw its private sector clients and partners into the marketplace. Property Assessed Clean Energy NYSERDA, through the Energy Improvement Corporation, will work with municipalities in New York State to drive local enabling legislation and adoption of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing which allows commercial properties to secure low-cost financing for clean energy projects, funded by private capital sources and repaid through the properties’ respective tax bills. 4. sustainable and resilient communities
Sustainable and Resilient CommunitiesParticipating in the REV transition to more sustainable local energy systems will help the 4,720 cities, towns, villages, and special districts in New York save money, create jobs and drive environmental and quality of life improvements. REV facilitates access to program information and energy data to help localities make informed energy and smart growth planning decisions and by building peer-to-peer networks that will encourage idea-sharing and transfer of best practices. NY Prize Community Microgrids Competition NY Prize was a first-in-the-nation, $40 million competition to engage communities in advancing plans for local power and resilience. The competition offers awards in three stages: feasibility studies, audit-grade design, and project build. Five Cities Energy Plans Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers (collectively, the Five Cities) worked with NYPA to develop a comprehensive energy master plan which will reduce their municipal energy consumption at least 20% by 2020, joining the State in reaching the goals outlined in BuildSmart NY. New York State Community Partnership NYSERDA, working with and through local governments and organizations, and in close collaboration with NYPA and other State agencies, will implement the New York State Community Partnership (NYSCP), a coordinated approach to help localities take simple and cost-effective steps to invest in clean energy to accomplish their specific goals and pave the way. REV Campus Challenge The REV Campus Challenge is a joint NYSERDA-NYPA initiative to encourage and recognize New York institutions of higher education that are taking clean energy ideas from the classroom and putting them to work—both on campus and in their communities. Community Choice Aggregation Community Choice Aggregation, or CCA, is a mechanism for municipality to aggregate the customers in its territory to prioritize the purchase of clean, renewable power and potentially secure lower or less volatile energy costs through group purchasing and fixed-price contracts. Smart Growth Initiative Smart growth and transit-oriented development (TOD) offers improved quality of life, reduced commuter times and reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting compact, mixed-use design in downtown areas served by robust public transit systems, smart growth and reduced dependence on personal vehicles. Access Floodplain Data The New York State Climate Change Science Clearinghouse, developed with NYSERDA, provides users with immediate, interactive access to the best available FEMA floodplain maps for guidance it prepares pursuant to the Community Risk and Resilience Act. 5. Energy Infrastructure Modernization
Energy Infrastructure ModernizationNew York’s aging energy transmission and distribution infrastructure requires substantial repair and modernization over the coming years to provide reliable service and to accommodate the addition of new large-scale renewable resources. The Plan guides required investment toward projects that improve overall system efficiency. Energy Highway New York’s Energy Highway Blueprint is upgrading and modernizing New York’s electric grid to deploy greater levels of renewables, increase capacity, and improve flexibility. The Blueprint includes 13 action items such as reducing congestion from upstate to downstate and preparation for power generator retirements. Smart Generation and Transmission NYPA is transforming New York’s energy infrastructure into a modern, flexible and resilient power grid with investments in the integration of sophisticated software and high-speed fiber optics to create best-in-class power-grid protection and control and breakthrough initiatives such as Substation Automation Modernization and Controls and Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System upgrades. Distribution System Platform Providers New York’s evolving grid will rely on greater investment in distributed energy resources—clean, local power to provide reliability and resiliency benefits to individual customers and communities and to strengthen the entire energy system. Utilities will act as a market platform for third parties and customers to actively engage with in building a clean, resilient, and more affordable energy system. Reduce Reliance on Petroleum Heating Products DPS and utilities are developing programs to encourage customer conversions from carbon-intensive petroleum products, such as #6 heating oil and other distillate fuels, to cleaner fuel alternatives, while emphasizing the use of high-efficiency heating equipment. Limit Methane Emissions Given the State’s use of natural gas in meeting its electric and thermal needs, DPS is updating its regulations and ratemaking processes to require gas utilities to accelerate replacements of leak-prone pipelines, map and publish known leaks online, and strengthen public awareness campaigns encouraging the public to report gas odors for investigation. Emissions Standards for Clean Distributed Resources New York’s future energy system will increasingly rely on distributed energy sources powered by natural gas or diesel fuel to reduce costs to the consumer and improve power reliability. DEC will establish regulatory standards to foster increased use of distributed energy resources and to ensure that those DERs do not jeopardize air quality. Strengthen Cyber Security DPS will convened a utility industry focused “Cyber Security Summit” in 2015 to identify best practices and next steps related to timely sharing of information and coordination in response to cyber threats. Low-Cost Power for Economic Development ReCharge NY, Western NY, and Preservation Power programs provide resilient, low-cost power to reduce electricity costs for businesses that commit to job creation and capital investments in New York. 6. Innovation and R&D
Innovation and R&DHarnessing cutting edge business models and technology solutions from the private sector, research institutions, and entrepreneurs is a fundamental component of REV. State R&D support will focus particularly on energy storage, smart grid technologies, and other products that will facilitate and reduce the cost of New York’s transition to a REV-based energy system. Core Innovation and R&D NYSERDA will continue its investments in energy innovation to deliver market-ready solutions that can produce meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and provide for greater energy affordability, system resiliency, and consumer choice. REV Business Model Demonstrations The PSC formally has issued a challenge to utilities and technology and clean energy innovators to come forward and introduce groundbreaking new solutions that illuminate the REV future, improve customer value, create jobs, and lower emissions. Energy Storage R&D and Commercialization Through NY-BEST and Brookhaven National Laboratory New York is actively engaging with experts in the energy sector to establish the energy storage technologies and business models that will support the future grid. This includes researchers at academic institutions, R&D facilities, and complementary initiatives being run through the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy To support the development of smart grid solutions and establish New York State as a global hub for advanced grid technology, NYPA, in collaboration with SUNY Polytechnic Institute Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE), will invest in the new Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe) in the Capital Region. Southern Tier Clean Energy Business Competition New York State is rapidly establishing itself as a national leader in clean energy innovation and investment. To advance and accelerate New York State as a national leader in clean energy innovation and investment, NYSERDA launched a clean energy business competition to catalyze new employment opportunities and clean energy business support services in the Southern Tier. 7. Transportation
TransportationBuilding a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable transportation system is a critical component of the State’s energy strategy. A cleaner transportation system will include more vehicles using clean transportation fuels (especially plug-in electric vehicles [PEV]) on the road, public transportation systems that use less energy per passenger mile and provide enhanced service to a broader customer base, transportation management infrastructure that integrates the latest communications technologies to enhance traffic flow, and clean fuel infrastructure that supports and scales the use of these new technologies. ChargeNY The ChargeNY initiative seeks to build a bridge to a self-sustaining market for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) including support for the installation of nearly 500 charging stations, implementation of the multi-state Zero Emissions Vehicle Action Plan, development of best practices guides for municipal regulation of charging stations, such as permitting, zoning rules, and building codes and more. Clean Fleets NY and Innovative Ownership Models As part of a pilot program, various State agencies will ensure that at least 50% of new, administrative-use vehicles will be Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs), including battery electric, plug-in electric hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These agencies will initiate a pilot to explore innovative ZEV acquisition models (such as leasing) to take advantage of Federal tax incentives and lifecycle savings to reduce costs. Financial Mechanism to Capture Value of Alternative Transportation DOT, NYSERDA, and DEC will collaborate with other states in the region through the Transportation and Climate Initiative to develop innovative financial strategies to capture the value from increased local economic activity as a result of reduced consumer spending on petroleum fuels imported from out-of-state. Smart Mobility through Improved Information and Communication Technologies, such as those that provide travelers with information about alternative routes or synchronize traffic signals, have already shown the potential to save fuel and reduce travel times. DOT will enhance the newly designed app by expanding the use of real-time data to help travelers avoid congestion, maximize use of transit and rideshare options and be alerted to air quality conditions. Efficient Public Transportation NYSERDA, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and NYPA will collaborate with private sector partners to develop new energy-saving products, as well as test and validate existing products focused on reducing the MTA’s energy use. Expanding Transportation Demand Management Programs Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is the application of strategies and policies that emphasize the movement of people and goods, rather than motor vehicles, and gives priority to walking, cycling, ride and bike sharing, public transit, and telecommuting. NYSERDA, NYPA, DOT, MTA, and other public transportation agencies will support the development and demonstration of products that reduce operating costs for smaller transit agencies and help expand service to more customers. |
2017 Energy Biennial Report
There are many highlights included in the 2017 New York State Energy Plan Biennial Report. Those with the most implication for new York State and City building owners include:
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