Requires the New York state energy research and development authority to develop recommendations regarding the establishment of microgrids

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic7
• Republican3

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Kevin S. Parker says this is needed

Superstorm Sandy inflicted about $62 billion in damage and other losses in New York and New jersey and Connecticut. Hospitals, schools, police stations, and critical infrastructure lost their supply of electricity. Hospitals, nursing homes and facilities housing the disabled were left without power, simultaneously creating life-threatening conditions for chronically ill and informed patients. The latter group had to be rescued from storm battered and flooded facilities by the National Guard. While loss of life at these facilities was avoided during this storm, future natural disasters could be more threatening and devastating. New scientific estimates and flooding projections tell us that more areas in New York State are now considered flood plains. In addition, had Super Storm Sandy been a category 3 or higher storm, over 85% of New York City would have flooded. Had New York State constructed microgrids to protect hospitals, first responder headquarters such as police and fire stations, emergency shel- ters, schools, water filtration plants, sewage treatment plants and other infrastructure, the extent of the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy would have been tremendously mitigated. Microgrids are a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid and can connect and disconnect from the grid to enable it to operate in both grid-connected or island-mode. The extent of severe damage caused by recent storms demonstrates the tremendous benefits of having microgrids in place to protect critical public health and safety infrastructure. It is very clear that microgrids are needed in order to fully protect the expensive and-extensive public safety and health infrastructure New York has developed. In addition, microgrid technology can serve to save lives by not only protecting the communication systems of first respon- ders but also by protecting the electrical needs of hospitals and nurs- ing homes where patients are connected to life-saving electrical equip- ment. This legislation requires a study of the positive impact of rolling out microgrid technology and requires recommendations on how to fund the construction of such a system. The need for such information is needed in order for New York to consider all the variables in emergency preparedness and planning. Additionally, with New York State in the process of receiving billions of dollars in federal disaster assistance, this is an opportune time to examine how the construction of microgrids will benefit all communities in New York State. This legislation is part of a package of bills that positions New York to be better prepared, more resilient and able to provide relief and recovery assistance to impacted communities quickly.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.