Establishes the New York State grid reliability and energy affordability transition (GREAT) act

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

• Democratic2

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

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Michelle Hinchey says this is needed

New Yorkers face rising energy costs and grid reliability risks driven by extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and use of expensive, pollut- ing fossil fuel plants to meet peak demand, A "virtual" or distributed power plant is a coordinated network of customer-owned resources like batteries, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats working together as a reliable power source. During periods of peak demand for electricity, distributed power plants can lessen demand, supply electricity, and provide other essential grid services, preventing blackouts and reducing the need for costly upgrades to utili- ty infrastnicture. Distributed power plants can also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, especially from aging "peaker plants" in disadvantaged communities. Distributed power plants also pay participat- ing families and businesses for supporting the grid, enabling and encouraging them to invest in distributed energy resources and reduce their net energy costs. This can help the state meet its goals for equi- ty, renewable energy, and energy storage. The United States Department of Energy estimates that the United States could deploy 80-160 gigawatts of distributed power plants by 2030 (a tripling of current levels) to support the rapid electrification of vehicles and homes and provide on the order of $10 billion in ratepayer savings annually. In New York State, current market rules, complex program structures, and inadequate compensation to participating customers are preventing our state from fully using distributed power plants, leaving a huge poten- tial source of grid reliability and ratepayer savings untapped. There are significant barriers to deployment and operation of distributed power plants in New York, including New York Independent System Operator rules that do not allow distributed energy resources of less than 10 kw to participate in the wholesale market as part of a resource aggre- gation. Existing utility programs are complex, offer minimal compen- sation to customers and have not attracted substantial customer partic- ipation. To unlock the grid, ratepayer, and customer benefits that residential battery storage and other distributed energy resources can provide, our state must establish new opportunities for customers to participate in utility-administered grid support programs. This bill directs the establishment of a community power plant program in New York State, to leverage the expertise of private, non-utility entities to advance innovation and implement cost-effective clean energy solutions that deliver energy affordability.

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.