Directs the Long Island power authority and New York state energy research and development authority to provide for inspection of electric generating equipment

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to providing for the inspection of residential electric generating equipment and providing grants for the installation and interconnection thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill directs the Long Island power authority and New York state energy research and development authority to provide for inspection of electric generating equipment.

Summary of specific provisions

The authority shall enter into a contract with an independent entity qualified to inspect the interconnection and energy efficiency of electric generating equipment installed pursuant to the programs and policies adopted pursuant to paragraph (i) of this subdivision when the customer-generator receives financial assistance from the authority. All financial assistance by the authority for the installation and interconnection of electric generating equipment shall be subject to the inspection and approval of such equipment by the independent inspector.

In addition to any other financial assistance provided by the authority for the installation and interconnection of electric generating equipment described in paragraph (i) of this subdivision, the authority shall provide a grant of not more than three hundred dollars for each inspected and approved installation.

The authority shall establish and implement programs and policies as designed for the interconnection of (i) solar electric generating equipment, (ii) farm waste electric generating equipment owned or operated by customer-generators, (iii) solar electric generating equipment owned or operated by non-residential customers, (iv) micro-combined heat and power generating equipment owned, leased, or operated by residential customers, and (v) fuel cell electric generating equipment owned, leased or operated by residential customers, and for net energy metering consistent with section sixty-six-j of the public service law, to increase the efficiency of energy end use, to shift demand periods from high demand to periods of low demand and to facilitate the development of cogeneration; and by wind electric generating equipment owned or operated by customer-generators and for net energy metering consistent with section sixty-six-l of the public service law.

Justification

As more favorable policies and incentives are developed in New York State, the Solar Energy Industry continues and will continue to grow at a rapid pace. With the prospect of good growth potential, many new businesses are entering the solar industry at just about the same pace. With that, comes the concern that many of these new companies entering the field may not necessarily have the training or installation experience necessary to ensure that the customer gets a good, quality job. At present, there exists few inspection programs in place that ensure that the customer gets that quality installation.

Many of the solar installations done in New York State receive monetary being provided by the agency as incentives, is going towards a good quality installation by an experienced solar contractor.

There should be some level of guarantee that their money being provided by the agency as incentives, is going towards a good quality installation by an experienced solar contractor,

By requiring a third party inspection by an independent agency, ensures the ratepayer, taxpayer, that all solar installations receiving utility rebates, incentives or tax credits, are properly installed by a well qualified contractor.

Prior legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law; provided that, effective immediately, any actions necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be completed on or before such date.