BCW’s CEAC Outlines Recommendation for Meeting New York’s Energy Needs Through 2040

In response to NYSERDA’s New York State Energy Plan, the BCW’s Clean Energy Action Council (CEAC) provided detailed comments and recommendations.  

In official comments from BCW Executive Vice President and COO John Ravitz and CEAC Director Ron Kamen, the following recommendations to the plan were outlined:

Expand Peak Demand Reduction programs, which reduced peak loads by ~1000 MWs in the ConEdison utility territory this year. These Smart Usage Reward programs increase electric system resiliency, lower consumer costs, and reduce the carbon and particulate emissions of peak power plants.

Fast Track Solar PV by increasing funding and streamlining approvals, especially on Parking Lots, Commercial Flat Roofs, Brownfields, and Right-of-Ways. Solar PV provides the fastest and most cost-effective way to increase critically needed new electric generation.

Increase funding for public education and incentives for the widespread adoption of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – both with Solar PV, and wherever inexpensive nighttime power can deliver resilient electricity during peak times.

Adopt a Clean Fuel Standard and implement additional policies that incentivize RENEWABLE DIESEL as a drop-in fuel for public & private fleets AND oil heat consumers. In addition to reducing carbon and particulate emissions, the CFS will create additional funding for electrification measures – paid for by polluting fuels, not taxpayers or ratepayers. In addition, recognize RENEWABLE DIESEL under the Clean heating fuel credit program which is currently only reserved for Biodiesel.

Expand programs for the rapid adoption of Geothermal Heating and Cooling systems, which the New York State Scoping Plan estimates could reduce New York system peak by 4-12 GW compared to scenarios relying more heavily on air-source heat pumps (NYS Climate Action Council, 2022).

Support increased Transmission, including both the Propel NY and Clean Path projects. Transmission lines are the backbone of New York’s energy system and CRITICAL to the reliability, resiliency, and affordability of energy in New York.

Thank you for the hard work the Planning Board has put into the Draft New York State Energy Plan and for the opportunity to comment on the Plan. The discussion about the pathway to decarbonization is particularly relevant today as the state navigates through the reduced support from the federal government and as we join states across the country aiming to balance housing and energy affordability challenges.

To read the official comments, please click here.